1928 - Grace, T. S. A Pioneer Missionary among the Maoris 1850-1879 - CHAPTER I: TURANGA

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A PIONEER MISSIONARY AMONG THE MAORIS

CHAPTER I

TURANGA

JOURNAL

[Recd. in London 20th Jany. 1851.]

AUCKLAND,
9th July, 1850.

ANCHORED in the harbour of Auckland at 8 a.m. and landed at 10 a.m. with my little girl. Saw nothing particularly striking in the town. Enquired my way to Mr. Kissling's from whom I received a very kind welcome. Met Mr. Ashwell at Mr. Kissling's.

After dinner accompanied by Mr. Kissling returned to the ship. Mrs. Grace and the other two children landed. Reached Mr. Kissling's by dark. Great curiosity was shown by the Native girls to see Mrs. Grace.

In the evening the Revd. Purchas came to give a singing lesson to the girls: was much pleased. Retired to rest most grateful to Almighty God for His many mercies in preserving us in safety through so long, so protracted, and so inconvenient a voyage.

Wednesday morning.--Went out to the College with Mr. Kissling. Dined in the College with his Lordship. After dinner retired. The conversation turned upon our intended stations. The Bishop suggested Taupo; as he considered it to fall in with the desires of the Home Committee. Great difficulty appeared to exist as to how my family and luggage were to be conveyed to Taupo; every proposed route appeared to have great obstacles. It was,

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however, thought that no advantage would be gained if I were to proceed to Wellington, but that it would be advisable for me to land my packages in Auckland, and, as soon as the country should be passable (in September), to make a journey for the purpose of making some preparations, after which I was to return for Mrs. Grace and the family, and then to proceed by way of Tauranga and Rotorua.

11th July.--Called upon the Governor who was happy to hear that we were likely to go to Taupo; stated his willingness to give us what assistance he could.

He considered that a station at Taupo would greatly facilitate a kind of high road through the country--a plan which I have since seen good reason to believe would be against both the temporal and spiritual interests of the Natives.

14th July (Sunday).--In the morning went to Onehunga; took morning service and administered the Lord's Supper. Returned to Mr. Kissling's, read evening prayers, and baptized our little boy who was born on the voyage.

16th July.--Called again at the College to present to his Lordship my letters of orders which I had omitted to do on Wednesday last.

21st July.--Took the English service at Mr. Kissling's church.

25th July.--This week, after some correspondence between the Bishop and Mr. Kissling, former arrangements were altered, and it was decided that we should proceed to Wellington in the vessel in which we had come out.

26th July.--Met my old friend Mr. Lanfear in Auckland. A very pleasant meeting!

27th July.--Went with Mr. Lanfear to Hauraki; reached Mama near Coromandel at 11 o'clock at night.

29th July.--Sunday morning after early prayers went with a Native Teacher to Coromandel, a distance of seven miles--the first walk I have had in the bush. The first 2 miles was over a manuka flat--the tide being out the mud was up to our ankles; the road then lay over some hills and through a wood. The bays here are very beautiful. The village of Coromandel is well situated and the surrounding land is suitable for cultivation. Here there is a

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large new Chapel very handsomely reeded. This is the second chapel of the kind that I have seen. There is a smaller one at Mama. Returned in the afternoon.

30th July (Monday).--Started for Hauraki---did not get in till midnight. Happy to find Mr. Lanfear looking well. God's ways are wonderful and gracious! A short time ago we were all living at St. Bees; now, through His mercy, we are met here on the other side of the world!

1st September.--Returned to Auckland, arriving there at 9 p.m. All former arrangements have been brought to a standstill. During my absence Archn. W. Williams has been here. He purposes going to England, and, this being so, someone is needed to take charge of his station for two years.

It is thought we shall have to go. The Lord's will be done. My own wishes would lead me straight to Taupo.

3rd September.--Am obliged now to land my packages as the vessel is to sail to-morrow. Went on board to find that many of the packages had been broken. Some had been knocked to pieces; others had evidently been opened. The Captain states that he will make good my losses.

13th September.--Archn. W. Williams having returned from the Bay of Islands a Committee has been held, and we are to go to Turanga.

18th September.--Early this morning took leave of Mr. and Mrs. Kissling.

19th September.--Owing to contrary winds we were obliged to put into Waiheke.

21st September.--Left Waiheke with a fair wind.

23rd September.--Put into Cape Runaway where we remained three days.

29th September.--Early in the morning put into Hick's Bay and went ashore. The Archdeacon took Native service, after which I took the English. Three Europeans were present. Went on board at 4 p.m. and sailed immediately.

1st Octr.--Arrived in Poverty Bay. Landed in a boat towing another after it that was full of luggage. In coming to the bar of the river, the men, not being able to tow both boats, turned the luggage boat adrift which was

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soon swamped in the breakers. The boat in which we were was so badly managed, that, in crossing the bar, it was half filled with water and we had all our clothes saturated. A chest of tea and some books, etc., which were in the other boat, were much damaged. Reached the station about 2 p.m. truly thankful, after eight months of travelling with a little family, to find a temporary resting place. Turanga is pretty rather than beautiful--being a dead flat; on account of the bush, there is no view, and the hills for the most part are too distant to give a pleasing effect. The quality of the land, however, more than compensates for the lack of beauty. Growth is prodigious. In the garden there is a willow-tree which, Mr. Williams tells me, has been planted only eight years. My curiosity led me to measure this tree. Its girth is 4 feet 6 inches!

2nd Octr.--Went with the Archdeacon to what the Natives call a Committee to announce to them his intention of going to England. They were greatly disappointed particularly on account of their new Church.

6th Octr. (Sunday).--Attended Native service, at the conclusion of which the Natives formed themselves into a large avenue that they might shake hands with me. Took the English service.

8th Octr. (Tuesday).--Attended the Native Teacher's class and, during the course of the week, two other Native classes.

10th Octr. (Thursday).--Mr. Barker and Mr. Hamlin having arrived a special Committee was held on this and following days. Being requested to attend this Committee I reluctantly consented. Took little part in the proceedings, being a stranger to the financial affairs of the district.

At the commencement Mr. Baker was appointed secretary, to which I gave my most cordial approval.

24th Octr.--The vessel which was to convey the Archdeacon to Auckland having come into the Bay, I accompanied them aboard. All the spare time we could command was for the first two or three weeks spent in unpacking and making our household arrangements. Found ourselves in a very novel position! Surrounded by Natives, without knowing many words of their language.

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30th Octr.--Commenced in the evenings to teach some of the Maori boys English.

November 4th.--The Native Schoolmaster (Andrew) informed me that there were no potatoes for the children, and also that the wheat, which I had bought from the Archdeacon, would soon be finished. I asked him to speak to any Natives that he might know, to bring some potatoes to us. Accordingly, in a day or two, potatoes came.

The Schoolmaster told me that 6d. per basket was the price, and had to be paid in goods, and not in cash.

I therefore gave him one yard of print or calico for each basket. I also paid a European at the same rate for some wheat and potatoes that he brought, and made payment to other Europeans in the same way--money not being current.

25th Decr.--Christmas Day.--Our first Christmas in this new land. A very hot day! This season here seems so very unlike that in the Old Country. After morning service administered the Lord's Supper to the Native Teachers and some of the Monitors.

1851. Jany. 3rd.--No opportunity having occurred before of forwarding my letters to Auckland, sent off this day those to the Bishop and Archdeacon, but thought it prudent to retain Mr. Venn's until my views were more matured.

[At this juncture Mr. Grace found it necessary to go to Auckland.--ED.]

3rd Feby.--There being no likelihood of a vessel for Auckland, in the afternoon of this day I set out overland, accompanied by the Native Schoolmaster and a boy who had been part of the road before. The road proposed was by way of Opotiki and Tauranga, where I hoped to get such information as would enable me to proceed. There are many difficulties in this journey--first, that of finding the road, the path being overgrown; secondly, owing to having to carry a week's provisions, there being no Natives after leaving the Bay until reaching Opotiki; thirdly, the mountains which have to be climbed.

9th Feby.--The weather being very fine we reached

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Opotiki this morning. The journey this far was very toilsome, being a succession of hills and mountains all the way, while the mosquitoes at night were terrible. On Wednesday night they took complete possession of my tent so that I was obliged to abandon it and make my bed near the fire. On Friday morning, one day's walk from Opotiki, we met a Native woman and a little boy returning to Turanga. Was greatly astonished to find that she was carrying 60 lbs. of potatoes on her back, and more astonished still, when, a few hours afterwards, I found she had climbed with them up an almost perpendicular hill of between 2000 and 3000 ft. high.

Our potatoes being all gone she gave our boy a few pounds, for which I gave her in return a little bread, with which she appeared much pleased.

On Saturday morning had the pleasure of introducing myself to Mr. Wilson. After dinner enquired the time it would take us to reach Tauranga. It appeared that the state of the tides was against us, and therefore, it was advisable to leave that evening. Accordingly, at 4 o'clock, the tide answering, we set out for Whakatane, a distance of 24 or 25 miles--the last 5 or 6 of which being over hills, we had great difficulty in the dark finding the path.

We arrived at 11 p.m. After the excitement of seeing us was over, the women commenced to prepare us some food.

Sunday morning.--Went to service when Andrew addressed them. The attendance was very poor, there not being more than 30 present. Altogether the place wore much less of the Lord's day than I had seen anywhere else in New Zealand. In the afternoon went about 2 miles up the river near to the spot where a house had been prepared for Mr. Davies. Attended school, which the teacher held in a small house. Only a few present. The service was much better attended than that held in the other village in the morning.

10th Feby.--Left Whakatane at daybreak Monday morning and reached Tauranga on Tuesday evening, having called at Maketu, but did not see Mr. Chapman, he being at Rotorua. Was very kindly received by Mrs. Brown and Mr. Christopher Davies, Archdeacon Brown having

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left some days before for Auckland. Learned that the journey from here by Waikato would take 5 or 6 days, and that, if I went to Hauraki, should Mr. Lanfear be away from home, I might be detained a long time before getting a canoe.

There being a small vessel in Tauranga harbour that would be leaving on Friday, I was advised to wait and proceed by her. Spent 4 pleasant, but somewhat anxious days, in Tauranga, the vessel not being able to leave until Sunday morning. Reached Auckland on Thursday morning, the 20th of February.

[After a stay in Auckland of six days Mr. Grace returned to Turanga--ED.]

February 26.--Left Auckland for Tauranga with Archdeacon Brown, by way of Hauraki. Detained two nights on the road. Friday morning at 5 o'clock, heavy rain and thick fog prevailing, yet anxious to cross the Thames while the tide was coming in, got into a boat and pushed off. After rowing for two hours, and all getting wet through, we landed within a few yards from the place from whence we had started. In the afternoon the weather cleared and we reached Mr. Lanfear's before dark. Happy to see my old friend once more. Remained over Sunday.

Monday.--Started for Tauranga, arriving there on Thursday at 4 p.m. Being desirous of reaching Opotiki on Saturday evening, left Tauranga, crossed the Bay and pitched tent on the beach a little after dark, so as not to be delayed next morning.

Saturday.--Reached Opotiki at 4 p.m.

Sunday.--Heavy storm, with rain and thunder. On account of the weather and distance was unable to attend Native service. Had English service with Mr. Wilson's sons.

Monday.--The weather having somewhat cleared, started for Turanga. A ford in the River--we had to wade for 5 or 6 hours more or less. Succeeded before dark in making the first ascent, where the poor woman had climbed with her heavy load of potatoes. Night closed upon us while yet we were a considerable distance from the first place where it was possible to pitch our tent.

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We were now crossing a sharp ridge, in many places not broader than a narrow pathway, but, being well wooded, there was not much danger. While in this situation, however, one of my boys lost his footing and made several turns before he could stop himself. Andrew was in front exploring the track in the dark. I gave the boy all the assistance I could and after a good deal of trouble got him up.

In an hour's time we reached the stopping place, where we had breakfasted on our journey to Auckland. Here, upon unpacking, the boy found that he was minus some of our provisions, of which we had but a scanty supply.

Tuesday.--While breakfast was preparing the boy went in search of the lost provisions, but without success.

Soon after starting it began to rain; in about 4 hours we reached a stopping place, where we made a fire and cooked some food. Here we waited 2 hours in the hope that the weather would clear, but, as it did not, we set out for the next suitable halting place. The rain now came on so heavily that our progress was greatly impeded, and it was long after dark when we pitched our tent amidst the pouring rain and droppings from the trees. We next broke off some branches of the underwood, and, shaking the wet from them, we laid them on the floor of the tent. On these I spread my rug; next I got a light and immediately changed my wet clothes. Not one of us had a dry thread upon him. The lads exerted all their skill in trying to get a fire, but in vain! Everything was thoroughly wet. I suggested that they should first kindle a small fire inside the tent, and, when properly alight, remove it outside. Happily this scheme succeeded, and, there being plenty of dead wood about, we soon had a good fire outside the tent, and were able to cook a little food. Not having been able to pitch the tent well, it failed to turn the water, and, to make matters still more uncomfortable, the water came in freely on the floor! Having, however, done the best we could under the circumstances, we had our evening prayers and were happy in committing ourselves to Him who is able to save to the uttermost.

Wednesday.--A wet morning with no prospect of improvement; had a little breakfast, and, on account of

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the scarceness of provisions, resolved to go on, knowing that, if we could reach what was a kind of half-way resting place, we should be able to procure some fern root.

Had not walked many hundred yards before we were once again drenched to the skin. As we had to push our way through very heavy underwood, our progress was much retarded. After struggling along for 4 hours we came upon a stream, and, being cold and fatigued, stopped and made some coffee, and boiled a little flour and water.

On this occasion the boys showed great skill in making a fire in the rain. After a delay of about an hour we once more trudged on, and, after walking for another 4 hours, descended upon the fertile flat. This is the most heavily wooded place I have seen, with a beautiful river winding through it. In this place are several rough sheds, that were erected by the Natives, with the names engraven on the trees of all the English Pilgrims who, I conclude, have passed a night here. I have not heard of anyone who has attacked this journey twice! We selected the best shed and made two immense fires--one at each end. As the day departed the night cleared. Took as much of our remaining little stock of food as I thought prudent, dried all our clothes, and on the whole had a fairly good night.

Thursday morning.--Tolerably fine. After a little breakfast set out again. After walking awhile lost sight of my boys. Nothing is easier than to get lost in these woods. It was some time before we could make each other heard, and we came together once more. In the afternoon we lost our way, causing us considerable delay and fatigue. Reached a suitable stopping place just as darkness came upon us. Owing to the heavy downpour of rain were unable to pitch the tent, and so had to take refuge in a wretched shed that would not turn the water. Spent a most uncomfortable night!

Friday morning.--Started with a very scanty breakfast. My two boys now began to give way very much. At noon served out the last of our provisions. At 6 p.m., when we were all quite spent, we reached a small cultivation on the upper branch of the Turanga River, about 30 miles from the Turanga settlement.

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When on our way to Auckland we found two old men here; now there was but one! Strange to say his dogs had, only a little while before, caught a wild pig. We had not been long here before my boys had dressed the pig in the Maori fashion, and the old man had dug up some potatoes and prepared a hangi--an oven of hot stones. This was the first time that I had seen a hangi prepared. The boys were greatly excited in cutting up the pig--the mode of which is to cut off all the hide with as much of the flesh as possible, placing therein all the bones and joints, and at last depositing the whole in the hangi, or oven of hot stones. While the pig was thus cooking, I broiled myself a few small pieces of meat, and cooked some potatoes, having finished my meal before the oven was opened. My poor boys showed more excitement in eating than they had done while dressing the animal--one boy ate an enormous quantity! From this little exhibition it was not difficult to see how they must have disposed of their human victims a few years ago. After prayers I spent a comfortable and happy night, not a little thankful to God, who had brought us through many perils thus far in safety, and so near to my dear family, despite the intimidations of some of the settlers, who, before I started, declared I would never return.

Saturday.--A fine morning. The boys complained of being very tired, so did not start before breakfast. On the road the lads hung behind. One we left at the first village we reached--the other came on. Did not stay anywhere for food, as we were anxious to reach home as soon as possible. When passing through a village about 8 miles from Turanga I ate a little new maize; had not proceeded far before I was in a burning fever, experiencing great giddiness and dimness of sight. It was with the greatest difficulty that I was able to keep my feet until I reached home.

It was 5 p.m. when I arrived home and found Mrs. Grace and my three children all well.

17th March.--Considerable excitement amongst the Natives on the subject of selling their land. The Government land agent had been here during my absence trying to convince them that it would be greatly to their advantage

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to sell. Many meetings had been held.... I can do nothing but use any little influence I may have against the principle of selling their land.

The contact of Europeans with Natives is, at present, the cold touch of death to the Native.

This contact debases and demoralizes the Native. It appears to me iniquitous and illegal for a few Natives, in order to satisfy their own selfishness, to sacrifice (for the most trifling return) the inheritance of their children! The law of the first-born exists here in all its original purity.

Cannot help seeing that there was a providence in my being away from home at the time of the Land Agent's visit, as I learn from Mrs. Grace that he was most anxious for, and hoped to have, my co-operation. Had I been here I must have come into direct contact with this gentleman, and, through him, with the Government.

During the week most of the Chiefs called to know my opinion, I enquired the opinion of the Archdeacon; on being informed that he had made the land tapu (holy) I stated to them that I was of his opinion.

Mrs. Grace had worked very hard in the School during my absence, but had been much discouraged on account of the hopeless and idle nature of the Native mistress.

24th March (Monday).--Having acquired a little more of the language, commenced this week to assemble the different tribes, on their respective days, for their Bible classes. Got through tolerably well. Found that I could now manage written questions. Have been obliged to abandon written sermons. The Natives do not like them even in first-rate Maori scholars.

Was sorry to find these classes poorly attended. Commenced the Native Teachers' class on Tuesday morning, for the purpose of explaining the subject of their Sunday's sermon, and for dictating a sketch.

7th April.--Commenced to hold classes for communicants preparatory to holding the Lord's Supper.

13th April.--Baptized 14 infants. Through this week have continued the classes for communicants.

18th April, Good Friday.--Easter Sunday, a very large assemblage of Natives. Had never before seen a gathering for the Lord's Supper. Greatly astonished and grieved

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at this. It has evidently been a real Vanity Fair to many. Administered the Lord's Supper to 160.

25th April.--Early in the morning walked with Mrs. Grace to a village nearby for the purpose of administering the Lord's Supper. There was a large assembly similar to last Sunday, numbers from about the station having come out.

29th April.--Made a visit to Patutahi where I held Bible and Catechism classes.

4th May.--During the week had several Bible classes, and made the best arrangements I could with the Native Teachers--exhorting them to be diligent during my absence.

14th May.--Set out to visit the district of Messrs. Hamlin and Colenso.
(Sd.) T. S. G.

TURANGA, POVERTY BAY,
2nd Decr. 1850.

MY DEAR SIR,

As a vessel has called here I take the opportunity of sending you a few lines, and purpose, all being well, by the next vessel that comes to forward you my journal.

The Archdeacon left us on the 24th Octr., since which time I have been employed chiefly in making our domestic arrangements, and in studying the language. Since the departure of the Archdeacon, I have, to the best of my ability, taken the Marriage, Burial, and Baptismal services in Maori; and on the 24th Novr., I commenced reading the morning and evening Native services. With the blessing of God I hope by the end of the year to be able to write a few short sermons in Maori.

The present state of the Natives appears to me to be one of great anxiety to all who wish to see them civilized as well as Christianized. From what I hear from some of the oldest missionaries, together with what I see with my own eyes, the advance of the Maoris in civilization is very small. Their sources of information are limited in the extreme, and, unless a change takes place, those of them that survive are likely to sink into a condition of servitude to the European. Even now, with their hard labour,

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their miserable mode of living and their indifferent food, all are agreed that, as a race, they are fast passing from amongst men.

I have commenced to teach a class of young men English; Mrs. Grace is giving like instruction to the elder girls in the School. We have thought it our duty to give our domestics English in place of Native food, together with the use of knives and forks, plates, cups and saucers, etc., and, as far as is possible, to make provision for them to sleep on mattresses and bedsteads instead of on the floor in their Maori fashion. We have also promised to give some furniture and domestic utensils to two of the first Native Chiefs or Teachers who will build for themselves two English cottages; one man I am happy to say is about to begin.

We have thought it well to have at our table, almost constantly, one or other of the Native Chiefs or Teachers. These are but trifling changes, and no more than your instructions to me warrant and circumstances require, but they are much appreciated by the Maoris. I am told, however, by Missionaries who have been long in this land, that this mode of proceeding "will make tyrants of the Natives," and that "English experience is of no use in New Zealand." Now, such statements as these I cannot support so long as I believe the great features of human nature to be the same in every land.

I have thought it well to name these things now, so that in case you should hear of any of my measures being questioned, you may understand the root, though you may not be acquainted with the connection of every branch.

Mrs. Grace begins to feel the great advantage one of her servants, that she reluctantly parted with at Cresbrook, would have been to her in taking the sewing department at the School, as well as in superintending household matters.

Pray bear with me when I say that it is a mistake to advise young married Missionaries coming to New Zealand not to bring out a faithful, well-tried servant, if they should have such an one upon whom they can implicitly depend.

We parted with a most valuable young person, in whom we had every confidence, and who very much wished to

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accompany us, but alas! the answer we had to give her was, "We are advised not to take out a servant." Only contemplate the position of a Missionary's wife, who is without grown-up daughters! In a season of health she labours to the full extent of her strength, her house and your School, it may be, are going on satisfactorily, when sickness or a confinement removes her for a time; then, after a while, labouring under the increased difficulty of having an additional baby to attend to, she returns to School to find that she has to go over all the old ground again! Besides all this, the Native character requires all that we can give it of the softening and refining influence of the educated Christian woman. The women of this race must be raised, or the Maori must continue to inhabit his whare, with no bed but the cold earth; no door but one that he must enter on his hands and knees; no fireplace, no chimney; not even a hole in the roof through which the smoke might escape!

I think I promised that I would send you my first impressions of the state of things existing in this far-off land. Now, after five months' observation and enquiry, I give you a brief sketch of the temporal condition of these people. I think I have already written to you upon their spiritual state; later, when the opportunity offers, I hope to send you a few remarks upon the working of this Mission.

In the meantime, may the Great Head of the Church abundantly bless and prosper the work of Missions at Home and abroad, and ever keep us mindful that, though we may plant and water, it is God who alone can give the increase.

Remember me very kindly to Major Straith, Mr. Strachan and Mr. Greenway, and believe me to remain,

Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

The Revd. H. Venn,
C.M.H., Salisbury Square,
London.

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THE REVD. T. S. GRACE'S REPORT OF THE TURANGA DISTRICT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECR. 31ST, 1851.

In the absence of the Venble. Archdeacon W. Williams it becomes my duty, so far as I am able, to present a report of the District for the past year.

On the 24th Octr. 1850 we were left here in charge of this Station, at which time we did not know sufficient of the language either to understand the Natives or to be understood by them, consequently, we have had many difficulties to contend with; besides which, it is at no time desirable that a man should be placed in charge of a Station as substitute for another unless he knows something of the Maori character. Still, in the midst of many difficulties and trials, we have much reason to thank God and take courage.

During the past year the different parts of the work of this District have received as great a share of attention as my time and knowledge would allow. For the first six months our time was principally occupied at the Station in attending to the Native Boarding School, in meeting the different Bible classes, and in attending to the sick. On Sunday the two Native Services, and also an English one, have gone on without interruption, since which time I have been much away from home for the purpose of administering the Lord's Supper in those Districts which are dependent upon this one for that ordinance.

In May I made a journey into the Wairoa and Ahuriri Districts, at which time (assisted by the Revd. J. Hamlin) I administered the Lord's Supper at Wairoa, Mohaka, Waihou and Oraka to 287 communicants, and in the Ahuriri District at Waitangi, Paotangata and Petene to 297. On this journey I saw more of the working of the system than I had the opportunity of doing before. In some of Mr. Hamlin's out stations I witnessed the best order and attention that I have so far seen amongst these Natives. In the months of October and November I made two journeys into the Uawa District, at present vacant owing to the absence of Mr. Baker in Auckland for medical advice. During these visits the Lord's Supper was administered to 277 communicants; 24 adults were

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baptized--also 29 infants. The examination of adults for baptism is a work of much labour and anxiety. I found it particularly so in this instance.

In November last I made a second visit to the Wairoa District, but did not proceed to the Ahuriri as I had intended, on account of receiving a note from Mr. Colenso to postpone my journey in consequence of the great scarcity of food amongst the Maoris. On this journey the Lord's Supper was received by 255 communicants at the different places in Mr. Hamlin's District.

TURANGA.--The congregation at the Station has kept up to its former numbers, but the Sunday School for men has not been so well attended; that for women improves. Of the distant villages I cannot speak distinctly. Whenever I have visited them on Sunday there has been a good congregation. The Lord's Supper has been twice administered throughout the District--once in April, and again in October, at which times 762 communicants have been admitted--a considerable number having been kept back for bad conduct.

CHURCHES.--One very fine Maori Church at Wairerehua has been finished, with the exception of the windows, which the School boys are now making. The first pillar of the new church at this Station was set up on the 26th of March last, at which time an appropriate ceremony was used, and a bottle containing various coins, papers and documents, written in both English and Maori, was deposited.

The building has progressed so far as the erection of the frame work, beyond which it cannot proceed without considerable funds, as it is intended to be finished outside with boards. This Church will be, if finished according to Maori architecture, the greatest monument of national art that New Zealand contains, and which the present race is likely ever to execute.

A new Church has also been begun at Whangara, and is progressing rapidly. It is a Maori Church of comparatively small pretensions, but is, I believe, the first Native-built Church in this land which has a chancel. For this Church also, the School boys are to make the windows and doors.

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SCHOOLS.--In August the Native teachers and monitors were desired to meet for School when 21 males and 5 females assembled for a fortnight. Our subjects were Scripture, Geography, Tables of weights and measures, figures, and writing--some of them made satisfactory progress. The Native Boarding School has, on the whole, given us encouragement. I regret that this year it has not been able to maintain itself, but hope it will do so for the year to come, for I conclude we shall have nearly a year's wheat to gather in about a fortnight, and also the advantage of a supply of beef from some of the young cattle. From necessity we were obliged to make a change in the School with respect to the teacher, and have found it expedient to admit boys as well as girls, which we find works better and more economically than when girls only are dealt with. In several of the boys and girls there has been evident improvement. Mrs. Grace has given daily attention to the girls. The average number of children is 25.

NATIVE TEACHERS.--I am unable to report very favourably of Native Teachers. In December 1850 one was convicted of adultery which had been going on before our arrival here. The man was sent to the Bush by his own people, where he was taken ill and died in June last, while I was on a journey to Ahuriri. Two of my teachers who visited him report that he died penitent and happy.

In October last another man was convicted of the same offence and also sent by his people to the bush. A third, for want of attention to his duties and general bad conduct, I have been obliged to dismiss. The others have all been obedient and kind, and several of them have been very attentive to their duties.

Altogether this has been a year of great trial to the Natives of this coast. It has been a great temptation to my own Natives to impose upon the supposed ignorance of their new missionary; besides which, in July, a large vessel was wrecked in the Bay, which afforded them an opportunity of both stealing and drinking--into which sins many of them have fallen.

The present is perhaps the most critical period of their history. Outwardly they have embraced the Gospel, but ere there has been time for it to become rooted and

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grounded in their hearts, colonization has burst upon them with all the evils which in modern times it has brought upon the different aboriginal races.

The love of these Natives for horses outweighs every other consideration. To gratify their desires they have sacrificed the plains of Ahuriri and a large block of land at Mohaka, and are now in treaty for the flats of Wairoa and Turanga. Thus they have already sold at least one-half of their available land on this coast for a few pence per acre, and, with the proceeds, are giving most exorbitant prices for horses which are of no practical use to them.

The offers made by the Government land agents for the purchase of Native lands, are a throwing of the apple of discord amongst them. Feverish excitement, discontent and quarrelling are the natural results. In a year or two all parties become tired of debating and gladly hand over their possessions to the Land Agent. Against this state of things no aboriginal race on earth can long stand.
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

THE REVD. T. S. GRACE'S REPORT OF THE TURANGA DISTRICT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECR. 31ST, 1852.

In the prolonged absence of the Venble. Archn. W. Williams it becomes my duty to furnish a second report for this Station.

This year has been marked by an extraordinary advance in civilization, in a great measure the effect of the opposition I met with last year. Had the Europeans been less furious in their opposition we should have been less successful. The Maoris have learned that eating bread is better than Native food, and that to sit at a table and use a knife and fork is no punishment. They acknowledge that our mode of working is superior to theirs, and have found out that their huts are obstacles to everything in the shape of domestic comfort.

Their keen desire for clothes has greatly moderated, and a wish for knives, forks, spoons and plates, pots, pans, smoothing irons, and tea-kettles has taken its place. The plough is in their hands and is working wonders amongst them. Eighteen months ago there was not a

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Maori in the whole Bay (except in connection with ourselves) that could be prevailed upon to milk his cows. Now they are making every effort to reclaim their bush cows, and great numbers are milked regularly. Oxen for the plough are sought for in every direction. The use of money and figures is doing much to enlighten them, and, if they persevere with the Corn Market already commenced by them, they will soon understand the art of dealing. In every temporal respect they have made progress. More than one of these Maoris has told us: "Now is the beginning of our strength! This is the beginning of our Kingdom! Now we are beginning to live!" and many other such-like expressions.

European opposition has been in vain, so far as this place is concerned. My experience here, short though it be, has been a practical illustration of the passage, "Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee, and the remainder of wrath shalt Thou restrain."

I regret that I cannot speak so favourably of their spiritual concerns. The present year has been one of the greatest trial of principle. Another large vessel was wrecked here in April last, and, being a total wreck, the goods washed upon the shore were a great temptation to them, and many were guilty of theft.

To get these things restored has caused us much trouble and anxiety. In addition to this a public house has been opened, and, though it is against the law to sell to Natives, yet it has been done, and at present drunkenness is too common amongst them.

The Government land sales have continued to have a bad effect. These things, in addition to the common temptations, and to a listless state arising from the novelty which attached to their first reception of the Gospel, have produced considerable deadness. Still, there are many who have walked consistently, but much remains to be done in order to further their spiritual advancement.

The greatest evil that we have to contend with is, I consider, the unsatisfactory state of the Maori teachers. Now that civilization is advancing, these men cannot devote the time they formerly did to their people; besides which, men of higher attainments are absolutely necessary.

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His Lordship, the Bishop, visited us in February last and held four confirmations in this District. The Maoris were at the time in the midst of their harvest, which was very unfortunate, many having to attend the services at very considerable inconvenience.

During the year I have been travelling for between four and five months--52 days of which have been spent in the Uawa District, and 35 in visiting the Wairoa and Ahuriri Districts.

The Lord's Supper has been administered only once this year on account of the great scarcity of food, that has prevented the people from assembling. Many also have been kept back on account of misconduct, so that only 324 have partaken up to this time; however, in a few weeks it is again to be celebrated, when I doubt not there will be an increase over last year.

The Native Boarding School has gone on satisfactorily. The chief subjects taught have been reading, writing, arithmetic, and, for the girls, needlework. A little progress has been made in singing.

The industrial branch may be considered the one that has been most successful. The girls have attended to all the work of the house. All the elder girls can now wash. Four have learned to iron. Three can get up linen in very good style. Three have learned to milk. Two to make butter and cheese. Two Maoris from the pa have also learned to make cheese.

The principal employment of the boys has been to work land--digging, sowing, planting potatoes, fencing, etc., all of which they have done in an English manner, and, were a prize given for the best farming done in this District by either Europeans or Maoris, there is no doubt but that our Natives would receive it!

The work on the whole has been very laborious, owing to not having been able to get the plough to work early last winter. We have had to depend on the spade and the girls have also had to take their part in the work.

One large paddock of 3 acres was dug in two weeks by 12 of them with the help of 3 boys, in addition to attending to School morning and evening, and, also, to all their other work.

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Seven boys in the same time dug 2 1/2 acres without once missing School or any of their other duties! No more practical proof could be given that, with proper attention, the children of these Natives may be brought up to habits of industry; but this cannot be effected at present by Maori Schoolmasters and Mistresses. There must be European instruction and example, else little can be done.

In addition to the above, the repairs of the Mission premises, fences, and some little additions have been attended to by the boys, without any extra expense to the Society.

We did hope this year that the School would have cleared its own expenses, but, owing to the entire failure of our winter crop of potatoes, we have been under the necessity of drawing upon the Society for the sum of £10 0s. 7d.

For the coming year, however, there are 3 1/2 acres of wheat almost ready to cut, which will be sufficient to supply a larger number of children than we have at present; three acres of this wheat, as well as 1/2 an acre of potatoes, are growing at a distance from the Station on ground which the Maoris have very kindly allowed us to plough--so, in all probability, the next year will be as great a year of plenty as the present has been of scarcity.

We have to acknowledge the continued mercies of our Heavenly Father to us during another year. Our work has been particularly trying. We have had many difficulties to contend with.

The violent opposition of the Europeans, which at first assailed us, has for some time past subsided into a deep under-current of prejudicial remarks to the Maoris, tending to make us appear to be the cause of any local misfortune or inconvenience happening to them. This has told considerably upon one tribe engaged in the building of the new Church. Still, our labour, poor and imperfect though it has been, has not been in vain. From our peculiar circumstances here, it would have been foolish to have expected less opposition than we have met with. We have learned much while being here that will, I am sure, aid us when going to Taupo--to which place we expect to remove in a short time.
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

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THE REVD. T. S. GRACE'S REPORT OF THE UAWA DISTRICT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECR. 31ST, 1852.

In consequence of Mr. Baker's absence through ill-health, this District has continued in my charge.

During the past year I have visited the whole of the District four times, and, on the whole, I think I am justified in reporting favourably of it. I did greatly fear that the work would almost cease; for, upon visiting this District last year, I found the Chapel at the Station had been blown down and very little disposition manifested to rebuild it. I greatly feared many Maoris would go astray, but this has not been the case. On the contrary, when I reached Uawa in September, the majority of the Natives came to the Sabbath services that I held.

There is a heathen party at this place who have given us some trouble this year. Some of the Natives of the Turanga District had last year taken a post from an old burial ground, and had appropriated it. This, according to heathen custom, is a great offence, and, though our people replaced it, nothing reasonable would satisfy the great heathen Chief, Te Kani. The roads were made tapu, intercourse was stopped, war declared, and appearances looked very threatening.

Under these circumstances I felt it would not be prudent to leave home for my journey to the Ahuriri. I had been in constant correspondence with the great Kani, endeavouring to make him take a favourable view of the mistake. When a little softened, I sent him a deputation of the most influential Turanga Chiefs, with the information that I would follow them in three days. This I did, and was most happy to be able to bring matters to a peaceable conclusion. The Christian Natives, however, have not yet returned to their village, which they had deserted, and their neat little church remains unfinished.

On my visits through this District, the attendances at the services and Bible classes have been very good, but, whether above or below the average, I am unable to state. At Tokomaru, the furthest village of note to the North, everything has been very encouraging; as in most cases, the best Natives are those furthest from the Station.

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In February the Bishop held a confirmation at two places in this District.

The Lord's Supper has been twice administered throughout this District. On the second occasion, which was in September, this service was held principally for newly confirmed persons.

The number of old communicants who have this year partaken of the Lord's Supper is 312. Persons newly confirmed 96--in all 408. At the latter end of April the Native Teachers and principal monitors came here to Turanga for school. They behaved well and worked very hard.

Our subjects were the book of Genesis, the Gospel of St. Mark, the Epistle to the Galatians, and Arithmetic. During the short time that they could stay they gave me every satisfaction as to behaviour, and the attainments of three of them were very respectable. They all returned highly pleased, and, I hope, in some measure, benefited. They evidently had anything but an aversion to an English mode of living.

A few weeks afterwards two of them sent me a written abridgement of the contents of the different chapters of Genesis and St. Mark which we had studied, and which give evidence of considerable attention and memory.

On my visits to these Maoris, I have spent the Sunday evenings with the Native Teachers and monitors, and I trust that such attention has not been in vain.

The position of the Native Teachers and monitors, under the present state of things, is very trying and difficult, and we have reason to thank God that, in this District, in which so much has devolved upon them for the last two years, the work of the Gospel amongst the people has not materially suffered.

During the year I have travelled four times through the Uawa District, and, in all, have spent 52 days in it. These are many days to take from another District, but are too few to supply the place of a Resident Missionary.
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

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TURANGA, POVERTY BAY,
29th April, 1853.

The Revd. H. Venn,
Hon. Sec. C.M.S.,
London.

DEAR SIR,

We have long been looking forward to the return of Arch. W. Williams, but, up to this date, I have no intelligence of his having yet arrived in New Zealand. We have been anxious to proceed to Taupo, and have made every preparation in our power. We had hoped to reach Taupo before another winter set in, but this will now be quite impossible.

A week ago I received a letter from the Revd. R. Barker telling me that he is leaving the Coast. This is greatly to be regretted as our numbers are already very few, still I cannot help hoping that we shall not be sent to fill up what may be considered as a worn-out Station.

I wish, if possible, to be allowed to fix on the site of the Station at Taupo, inasmuch as I have some views that are, perhaps, peculiar.

If your object in sending me to Taupo be only to preach to poor, perishing sinners, then, as a travelling Missionary, it will be a matter of the smallest consequence where the Station is placed. But, if in addition to this, you wish me to establish industrial Schools, then almost everything will depend upon the site chosen for the Station.

My observations in this country have forced me to two conclusions. First: that Maori Schools in or near to colonial towns are absolutely foolish.

Secondly: that to place them in, or near to, Native villages is nearly as bad. I think I am justified in saying that in this colony, under the above circumstances, schools have not succeeded in anything like the manner we might at first sight have expected. The ordinary excitement of a Maori village constantly breaks in upon the necessary order and restraint of a boarding school; whilst the depredations made by the half-starved dogs and pigs of a Native village are not only a source of constant ill-will, but a serious loss. For the two and a half years that we have been here £50 would not cover the losses we have sustained through the

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inroads of dogs and pigs upon our crops in spite of our fences, which are of the best and strongest kind, and are always kept in good order. These are only some of the minor drawbacks of such a position. Something effectual must be done for Maori teachers. Their present connection with all the degradation and squabbling of the Native village must be broken, and so I should like to have the teachers living with me on the Station.

The only two Native Teachers, in whom I can place any amount of confidence, are the present and former Native Teachers of our School. They have acquired our mode of thinking and of handling a subject, and the Natives themselves are not backward in telling us that they are the only two "whose sermons are as light" to them and that "their words are strong like the words of the Missionary." Our present School Master is a man of middle rank. Two years ago he possessed no influence, and apparently little talent. Now he commands more esteem than all the others, from the fact of his conduct having been more consistent, owing, I feel sure, under the blessing of God, to his having been delivered from the degradation and temptations of the Native mode of living.

I am thankful to say that we all continue to enjoy good health. Praying that the grace of God may continue to rest upon all the efforts of the Society both at Home and abroad.

I remain, dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

REPORT OF THE REVD. T. S. GRACE FOR THE UAWA DISTRICT FOR THE YEAR 1853.

Up to the end of August I had visited this District three times, having spent in it altogether 35 days.

The Natives of this District have, for the most part, continued to hold fast to the profession of their faith. No villages have given me more satisfaction than those of Tokomaru and Anaura. The Lord's Supper has twice been administered at Uawa, and once at Anaura and Tokomaru; in all, 258 Natives have partaken, amongst whom

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were 38 individuals who have been admitted for the first time. 21 adults and 29 children have been baptized.

In January I made a journey to Uawa for the purpose of seeing Hakopa, the Native Teacher, whom consumption had brought near to the gates of the grave. I had three interviews with him, in all of which he expressed the same firm faith and confidence in Christ as his Saviour. He more than once told me that he was not the least afraid to die. I asked him if he were not a sinner. "Oh, yes!" he replied, "but on Christ I rest, for, by His death, my sins are forgiven." He also spake much of the indifference of many of his own people, and was evidently much distressed concerning them. The Maoris of Uawa, having been accustomed to have a resident Missionary, were no doubt less disposed to listen to him than were the Maoris of other places, who have not enjoyed that privilege; in addition to which the Maoris of Uawa appear more indolent in both spiritual and temporal things than do their neighbours. On the Sunday evening, according to custom, I had the Native Teachers and Monitors of the Neighbourhood, in order that they might go over the Gospel for the day with me at the Mission House. After our lesson we had much conversation respecting the approaching death of Hakopa.

They were evidently very much affected, and pressed me very strongly to make my abode with them instead of going to Taupo, "For," said they, "we are left orphans." I reminded them that they had had a Missionary for many years, but that the Taupo people had had none. Poor Hakopa died a fortnight afterwards, witnessing a good confession; all his friends bearing testimony to the strength and clearness of his faith right up to the end.

When I again visited this District in April it was with the fighting expedition of the Turanga people (see report for Turanga). I then found two large pas strongly fortified at very great labour. Evidently they would not have been able to defend themselves against the army that was to attack them, yet there were a few desperate fellows amongst them who seemed to delight in war, and who were a menace to a peaceful settlement. The majority, however, were heartily glad to see me. My coming was to them an

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omen for good, and, when I related to them the peace we had effected at Puatai with "Te Kani," they were not a little relieved from the state of anxiety and suspense in which I found them.

They had been having service three times a day for two or three weeks. No doubt this was, with many, the effect of fear, but some, I feel sure, made prayer their refuge in the hour of danger.

In May the principal Maori Teachers and Monitors of the District came to Turanga to school for a fortnight, during which time they showed great attention, worked hard, and returned home in fine spirits, after having taken a most affectionate leave of us.

One of them has since joined our household, with the intention of going to live with us at Taupo.

Owing to our being delayed in Turanga, I was enabled to visit this District again in July for the last time. In all the villages I found a good feeling; the threatened war appeared to have had a good effect. On this occasion I administered the Lord's Supper throughout the District. Thus have ended my labours in this place, upon which I must ever look back with humility, mingled with some degree of pleasure. The Maoris of this District seem to have thought better of us ever since I refused to baptize their young Chief two years ago. The young man was evidently not in a fit state of mind at the time he presented himself, so I gave him a testament, and desired him to make himself acquainted with certain portions of it, and promised to examine him again on my next visit. From this time they have all been more willing to attend our services, and the Teacher assures me that they will continue in the same good and wise path.
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

REPORT OF THE REVD. T. S. GRACE, FOR THE TURANGA DISTRICT--FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 16TH AUGUST, 1853.

Before finally leaving this Station, it becomes my duty to furnish a report for the former part of the year up to 16th August last, at which time The Ven. Archdeacon W. Williams arrived here. I fulfil this duty with peculiar

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feelings of thankfulness to Almighty God for many special blessings granted to us during our sojourn in this place. We have been carried through opposition, the extent of which, had I been able to foresee, would have caused me to draw back from the conflict.

Up to the 16th August I had travelled three times through the Turanga and Uawa Districts, and once through the Wairoa; being absent in all 70 days. I administered the Lord's Supper at five different places in this District, to 391 communicants and baptized 38 children; in the Wairoa District, at six different places, to 200 communicants.

Our Sunday morning congregation at the Station has always been good; the evening service has, perhaps, lost somewhat owing to parties having to return to a distance for food. At the outposts I have always found good congregations. The Gospel, which has formerly been preached here, having produced a state of peace, which now enables every man to retire to a distance from his village to cultivate his own peculiar inheritance without fear, together with the increase of industry, has made it much more difficult now for large numbers to meet for instruction than was formerly the case.

The industrial boarding school has continued to meet our fullest expectations. In January last we commenced Hullah's system of singing, and have found the progress made satisfactory. Those of the young people who took a pleasure in it were able, at the end of six months, to take their respective parts in a number of these songs, and also to sing "God save the Queen." So much cannot be said of their English lessons. In sewing Mrs. Grace reports considerable advance, also in the general domestic duties. Seven young men have learned to plough; some of these came for that purpose only and afterwards returned to their villages. Four Natives have been taught to make, and put together, the woodwork part of a plough. These may appear small matters, but, to a people in the present state of these Maoris, they are very important. Modern improvements in such things should, for the most part, be cautiously avoided, in that they throw obstacles in the way of Maori advancement. In School teaching we begin with the A.B.C.; when instructing in civilization we too

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often commence with things analogous to words of seven syllables!

The Sunday evening school has gone on without interruption, having been kept up by Mrs. Grace in my absence. The amount of Scripture that the elder pupils have committed to memory has surprised us! I had 19 years' experience in Sunday Schools at Home, but have never had lessons of such length learned so easily, nor so well! In addition to the Collect, Gospel and Epistle, we commenced the history of Joseph on Advent Sunday, Novr. 1852, and finished it the following July, a few weeks before my work here was ended. Upon these Sunday Evening classes I look back with greater pleasure than upon any other part of our labour here. We cannot but believe that the amount of Scripture that has been committed to memory, and the number of Scriptural subjects that have, in nearly three years, come under consideration will, in God's good time, bring forth fruit.

In May last we had a Native Teachers' class, when 22 Teachers and Monitors from this and the Uawa District assembled for a fortnight. They worked very hard whilst here, and, I humbly trust, carried home with them some little information as a reward of their devotion and toil.

They of course made a little more work than usual in our domestic arrangements, but our Native girls seemed determined to perform their part well, and this they certainly did. They provided food with the greatest willingness and alacrity, and appeared untiring in their zeal to make the visitors understand some of the advantages of a civilized life.

Their interest in this subject, I believe, arose out of a discussion that took place at a former Native Teachers' School--namely, as to whether such a mode of living was really applicable to Maoris, and in accordance with Scripture. The conclusion arrived at (as afterwards reported to us) was unanimously favourable.

The early part of this year was somewhat full of events of a varied character. In February I fulfilled a longstanding promise given to some inland Maoris, namely, of visiting them in company with Mrs. Grace, our eldest

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little girl, and most of the School girls. The Maoris provided the ladies with horses, and the whole party with plenty of food. The journey occupied 8 days, 5 of which were taken in travelling, and, during which time, we met with a great many most pleasing instances of Maori affection. Their love and attention during this trip we can never forget. The Maoris were delighted, and I hope they received benefit. This journey did not cost us a farthing, and is a proof that the Maoris are certainly not naturally covetous.

In March we had a flood, much greater than the oldest Maori remembers having seen. It caused sad destruction; much food was washed away; many villages were inundated, and a winter of great scarcity has followed. Providentially no lives were lost in this District.

At this time also occurred the death of the great woman of this place. Her baptized name was "Victoria"; many called her "The Queen." She died of consumption, surrounded by friends who did all they could to persuade her that she was bewitched and amongst whom, I regret to say, were two Native Teachers. Consequently my visits to her at first were not very welcome, but, as her end drew near, her faith began to revive, and, for some weeks before her death, she bore testimony, both to Mrs. Grace and to myself, of her faith in Christ alone. The night before her death I visited her for the purpose of administering to her the Lord's Supper. She then told me she was dying and would soon be with the Lord. She spoke much of her Saviour, but it was impossible to understand all that she said, so weak was her voice.

She had frequently told me that she did not believe she was bewitched, although some of her friends thought so. She delivered several exhortations to her people to give up their contentions and evil ways, and to make strong their service to God.

Two happy deaths occurred soon afterwards, while I was away, and of which the Maoris gave me very encouraging reports.

The death of Victoria had nearly involved us in a war with the great Chief Te Kani. The tribe of Victoria, many of whom believed the old lady had been bewitched by a

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Priest at Anaura, set out on the 11th of April, 150 strong and well armed, to avenge her death. I felt it my duty to follow this army (for it had set off privately before I was aware). I did so with all haste and overtook it in the evening.

On the following days I kept a few hours' journey before the army, in order to appease the hostile villages before it arrived. After much trouble and many fears, I rejoice to say that the desire for warfare terminated on the fifth day of our march to Anaura, and so was established the Gospel of Peace. After this one of the Native Teachers above alluded to gave us much trouble. He had been one of the leading men in performing certain incantations over Victoria in order to destroy the power that bewitched her.

Our stay in this District, though short, has allowed us to mark the many growing changes that are taking place in the condition of this people. Their trading, which now is considerable, has attained a degree of intelligence beyond what might have been expected in so short a time.

In March, 1852, I attended the first Maori feast (hui) supplied by the products of the Station, and conducted in English style in order to celebrate the "Harvest Home." The food consisted of roast pork, potatoes and apple pudding, followed in the evening by a plentiful supply of well-sweetened tea, and good bread and butter. This feast was got up entirely by the Maoris in imitation of one that we had given to the Mission School a short time before, upon finishing our first Harvest. After dinner we were entertained with speeches, the tenor of which ran upon temporal advancement, and, after having referred to the advantages arising from the use of money (which at this time they were beginning to appreciate), their motto was, "Ploughs, sheep and ships," as a basis upon which was to be established a civilization like unto that of the Pakeha.

I had had much conversation with some of them individually before, but now they appeared, in a body, to lay hold of these ideas with a giant grasp, and, so far, I must say that they have continued to work them out with a steady determination such as I never thought them capable of.

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Now, as we are about to leave, we see the plough in full operation, sheep being introduced, and four small vessels bought, and nearly paid for. Several rough but better kind of houses have been erected, and a large quantity of timber has been sawn with which to build one substantial house on European lines. They show a keen desire for flour mills; a very considerable amount of wheat is now consumed by them, and, as they themselves have noticed, a great decrease has taken place in the number of deaths.

It is rather remarkable that we have not buried one individual from the School since we took up work here!

As regards temporal things their eagerness for instruction is great. As to their spiritual welfare, I may say, "Oh that there were such an heart in them!" Yet, how often are even good men found to be wiser in providing for the needs of time than for those of eternity!

We take our leave of this place, and of the Maoris, feeling that we have reason to "thank God and to take courage." We have met with much opposition, many real difficulties and great mercies. Even among the Europeans there have not been wanting those who have sympathized with us. Others have acknowledged that their former treatment of me was unjust and wrong. From the Maoris we have received affection at all times.
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

TURANGA,
29th Decr. 1853.

MY DEAR SIR,

Upon the arrival of Archn. W. Williams I was in receipt of a letter from the Bishop to proceed to Wellington, and from thence to Whanganui; also of a letter from Mr. Vidal stating that it was thought that the Whanganui River would be impracticable, and that I had better think of approaching Taupo by the Bay of Plenty. Under these circumstances (there being no vessel by which we could go to Wellington) I proceeded overland to Taupo, Whanganui, the Bay of Plenty and Auckland--First, to select a Station, and, Secondly, to explore the country in order to find out the best road previous to removing my family. From this long and perilous journey I have just returned, and

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now feel it my duty to write you some particulars respecting the steps I have taken.

First. As regards the selecting of a Station, I found it was necessary to proceed with the utmost caution. Every village I entered had its claims and jealousies. Between the two great Chiefs, "Te Heuheu" and "Te Herekiekie" I found to exist a deadly feud of long standing, and which my work, it appeared, would be likely to increase. I learned also from the Maoris, and from a letter written by the Revd. B. Taylor ten months ago, that I was committed for no less than three places of residence. Under these circumstances, my first and plainest duty appeared to be to endeavour to bring about a more united and peaceful state of things, and, at the same time, to show them that they all had an interest in common. I, therefore, proceeded by telling them that, in coming amongst them, I looked upon them all alike, and that I should feel it my duty to choose the most suitable place I could find so that we should be able to do the most that was possible for them all. I informed them that the desire of your Committee was that we should establish an industrial School; but that we could not have such a School unless it were built where fertile land was available, where a plentiful supply of wood was close at hand, and with a fall of water close at hand for a mill. This speech silenced the claim of several villages which possess none of these requirements.

After this I travelled to Roto Aira, but the weather was such that I saw little of the place and only seven of the people. I then returned to the Western side of the Taupo Lake, visiting Tokaanu, the residence of Te Herekiekie.

At this place I was strongly beset, as it possessed some of the requisites. On proceeding to Pukawa, the residence of Te Heuheu, I found all that was requisite, and felt that, if the Maoris were willing to give me what was required, so far as Lake Taupo was concerned, my search was at an end. I found Te Heuheu most willing to give me all that was necessary; accordingly, I had a great meeting, and selected the place for a Station, pointing out the two plots of land containing about 70 acres in all.

I found that the two great Chiefs of this centre were heathen, and also that only 3 Maoris were Protestants. In

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the course of our meeting it was agreed that all the Maori Teachers should come and reside alternately on the Station.

I had much talk with them on spiritual matters and Schools, and spent, I trust, a profitable Sabbath. We had two full services and also School, baptized 2 children, and, in the evening, had a class of all the Native Teachers that had assembled. On the Wednesday morning following I proceeded on my journey to Whanganui to inspect the road and river, and had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Taylor. This journey occupied 4 weeks, after which, on my return, I put in two more days at Pukawa and then proceeded to Matata, in the Bay of Plenty, visiting all the villages on the South and East sides of the Lake.

Tokaanu, being the nearest village to Pukawa, I purposed visiting first, and, for that purpose, started in a canoe; but, when Te Heuheu learned that I was about to visit his great enemy, he flew into a great rage, and called out to the men to bring the canoe back; so I was obliged to get out, and walk overland in the dark, leaving the great Chief to compose himself. I spent the night at Tokaanu with Te Herekiekie, and, in the morning, had a small meeting with the Chief and some of his people, when I related to them all that had passed, and stated that, if they could not make up their minds to be friends with the people of Pukawa, it would be folly for me to come and settle amongst them. This Chief spoke fairly and said he was willing to be reconciled. After this meeting I set off on my journey accompanied by this great man and his wife who, according to previous arrangement, were to accompany me to Matata to select the site for a house there. On our way we met Te Heuheu with some of his people proceeding to Motutere, our next stopping place. Te Heuheu had evidently come on to see how I had taken his affront. On the road the two Chiefs shunned each other. I spoke to Te Heuheu, and expressed to him in substance what I had said to Te Herekiekie and his people in the morning. On the morrow, at Motutere, after morning service, I begged Te Heuheu to sit on one side of my tent and Te Herekiekie on the other. I then stated to all present, amongst whom were many important men, what a great

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evil it was to them all that the two leading Chiefs should be living at variance, and endeavoured to show them that, if they could not agree and give up their bitter jealousies, my work would be injured, and that, instead of my being a messenger of peace to them all, I should always be involved in their disputes; also that, when I had been to Auckland and had related to the Committee all that had passed, perhaps, after all, I should be sent to some other District. I then proposed that their great dispute, about a tract of land and the Mountain of Tongariro, should remain until I had been some time amongst them, and that in the meantime they should shake hands and "hongi" (press noses) in the presence of all, be good friends and neighbours, and help me in my work, etc. I then questioned each individually as to whether he was willing to accept my advice, and received a favourable answer from each. I then shook hands and "hongied" with them both, and, having done so, led them to the front of my tent, where, to the great joy and to the wonder of all the Maoris present, these two great men cordially went through the ceremony as required by me.

After this the Lord's Supper was administered, at the conclusion of which these two heathens attended the catechism class and sat side by side as brothers. I pray God that this may be a lasting peace. On the next day, Saturday, we proceeded on our way to the Bay of Plenty. In the afternoon the wife of Herekiekie was taken ill, and it was found impossible for them to accompany me further; Herekiekie therefore gave me a letter to the people of Matata, and we travelled on to a small village across the Lake called Jerusalem, at which place it had been arranged I should spend Sunday and administer the Lord's Supper.

Secondly. With respect to a road for the conveyance of my family and luggage: Whanganui presents great difficulties. First. The difficulties of shipping from hence to Whanganui. No vessels could be found to take us even to Wellington, and, could this have been accomplished, we should have had to trans-ship at Wellington for Whanganui. These two shipments could not have been effected for less than £100 to £120! Secondly. The Whanganui River. We could not expect to get canoes up

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the rapids without great damage, and, from the size of the canoes on the river and the accustomed charges, I consider the cost of getting to the River's head would be £200, while the journey would occupy a fortnight. After leaving the head of the River there would be two days' journey over thickly-wooded, rugged hills, when everything would have to be carried on the backs of Maoris, the cost of which it is impossible for me to estimate.

The country to the Bay of Plenty, by way of Tarawera (where Mr. Spencer is stationed) and thence to a place on the Coast called Matata, on a river of the same name, and West of Whakatane, is much better, with a considerable amount of water carriage, which I feel could be made available. This route can be travelled by pack horses, and can be accomplished in 6 or 7 days. The Taupo people were all agreed, before I went to Whanganui, that we must adopt the latter road. Te Herekiekie, one of the two great Taupo Chiefs, belongs also to Matata and wishes us to have a house there instead of at Roto Aira. The Maoris have also promised to come down in a body and to carry all our baggage into Taupo provided we agree to make Matata our road. I have consequently fixed upon Matata, and have had a rough house put up there to receive our luggage and ourselves. I had hoped that the Bishop would have seen the propriety of recommending that the Matata Maoris should be considered as belonging to me, but to this he does not agree. He appears to look upon it as too great a privilege to be entrusted to me, rather than how communication is to be kept up hereafter. This being so I am involved in difficulties. Although I have not promised it, the Taupo Maoris have taken it for granted that to have a house in Matata is absolutely necessary, both for them and for us, in order to open, and keep up, communications between Taupo and the Coast. I greatly fear Te Herekiekie will think himself slighted, and, perhaps, renew the old quarrel with Te Heuheu. It is likely that they may now be unwilling to carry our luggage to Taupo; if so, much extra expense will be incurred. They may insist that I fulfil Mr. Taylor's promise of having a Station at Roto Aira. I feel sure that, owing to the state of jealousy existing, they will not be satisfied should a house at that

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place appear less in dimensions and consequence than the one to be established at Pukawa.

Again, with regard to getting to Taupo. It would be very injudicious to allow only a division of the people to take a part in the work, as the people of such division would then most certainly consider us as entirely belonging to themselves.

A retreat at some distance appears to be necessary. First: In order to keep this turbulent people in check. I do not think I shall be able to retain the ground without some such provision. The Maoris of Taupo I conceive to be much like all the Maoris were formerly; but they feel, from their inland position, that they are shut out from the advancement that other Maoris, more favourably situated, are making, and so they are in a state of great impatience to go forward. I feel it rather hard that any one should raise obstacles in the way of a Station at Taupo, which has always presented so many real difficulties that no one has yet been found willing to make an effort to establish it. Then again, a quick communication to the coast, in case of sickness, is not a small matter for a family shut up in a country almost inaccessible and far removed from any civilized being. For an industrial School communication must be had with the coast, otherwise all ideas of such an establishment are at an end.

If Mr. Spencer and Mr. Preece have found great difficulties, what must I expect at three times the distance, with, perhaps, 40 or 50 Maoris besides my own family to provide for?

Thirdly. While at Taupo I made the best preparation I could for the commencement of the Station. I set Maoris to saw timber and to erect fences, and also planted a garden, a quantity of potatoes, and sowed half an acre in wheat and barley. The Maori Teachers arranged to assemble in December to put up a temporary house and church, and all agreed to proceed to Matata, when we should land there, in order to convey our luggage to Taupo. At Matata the Maoris have erected a temporary house for us to serve as a store. From Matata I went to Whakatane to search for a vessel and was most fortunate in being able to engage a small Native vessel, at £5 a week, but, as

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the Maoris were in the midst of potato planting, they agreed to meet me in Auckland in a fortnight. We then proceeded overland to Auckland by way of Tauranga and the Waikato, calling at Mr. Ashwell's, and reaching Auckland on the 25th Novr. In Auckland I purchased such materials for building as I was not already in possession of, together with stores for 12 months, which have since been landed at Matata. After waiting some days to see the Bishop, we left Auckland on the 13th Decr. and had a very quick trip, first to Matata, and from thence to Turanga, where we arrived on the morning of the 19th December.

I have since sent off a cargo of baggage to be landed at Matata and am now awaiting the return of the vessel to take my family and the remainder of our things. These goods we shall leave at Matata; from thence I will travel with Mrs. Grace and our children to Auckland, where they will have to remain for the winter, while I make another journey alone to Taupo. This is necessary for two reasons. First. Mrs. Grace is so near her confinement that she could not possibly undertake the heavy journey before the winter sets in. Secondly. It would not be prudent to take anything to Taupo before the whole of the land is enclosed, and is looked upon by all the Maoris as belonging to the Mission Station.

With regard to the expense of commencing the Station, I estimate that £500 will be required for two buildings--a small house and a School house. £200 I hope will cover our travelling expenses, including the charter of the vessel, the purchase of a pack-horse, and for three small houses on the road to be used as stores. Fifty pounds may also be needed for the erection of a rough temporary house and fencing at Taupo.

In conducting an industrial institution at Taupo, we hope to follow out the same plans which we adopted here, at Turanga--namely--for each child or adult boarded, clothed and taught, I trust for the first year to be allowed £2 each; for the second year £1 each, after which, with the blessing of God, I hope to see this part of the work self-supporting. Should we succeed, I shall require a small vessel on the Lake (nothing less than 8 or 10 tons

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would be safe on Taupo Lake), two small boats for the rivers on the road; also a small flour-mill at the Station.

Thus, my dear Sir, I have given you an account of how matters stand with respect to Taupo, and how I purpose to proceed. At present I am greatly cast down by many things. I have many fears, few friends and great difficulties! However, if God be for us, who can be against us? I have not been able to give you an account of the journey itself, suffice it to say that we started a full month too soon. We had to cross a high, snowy range and spend a night on it. After this, for two days and nights, we were lost in the desert, had to contend with cold, rain and hail; were without food or fire, and shut in with deep, rapid, impassable rivers. Again, in crossing the Tarawera Lake in a squall, it seemed impossible for our frail canoe to survive. We forded, or swam, many rapid rivers, and were out one night in our tiny vessel in a fearful storm; yet, by the good providence of our God, we were all preserved, and I find myself on returning in better health than when I started out.

Altogether I feel that my journey to, and reception at, Taupo has been so far successful and encouraging. However, much remains to be done. Please continue your prayers for us that neither our strength nor our faith may fail.

I have thought that I may not be able to endure the same amount of labour and hardship that has fallen to my lot during the last three years; still, it is impossible to tell. It is comforting to know that "it is not by might, nor by power, but by the spirit of our God" alone that we must succeed. May a double measure of His Spirit go with us to Taupo.

I remain, my dear Sir,
Faithfully and humbly yours,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

The Revd. H. Venn,
Hon. Sec. C.M.S.,
London.

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AUCKLAND,
August 28th, 1854.

I hereby present to the Revd. Mr. Grace, for the use of the Native Church and People connected with his new Station about to be formed at the Taupo Lake, a large Bell--lately received from some Christian friends in Scotland--he paying the shipping and other expenses on the same, which amount in all to £9 15s. 9d.
JOHN TELFORD.

AUCKLAND,
August 31st, 1854.

MY DEAR SIR,

I return you many thanks for the fine Bell with which you have presented me for the Station we are about to form at Taupo.

I do not think the bell could have been given to the people of any station in the country, who have the same claim upon Christian liberality--the poor, and long neglected, Maoris of Taupo! With the many difficulties of forming a station at Taupo you are acquainted; but, if it please God that we reach that place in safety, there will indeed be an interesting history connected with the carriage of the bell. Nothing so heavy, in all probability, has ever been conveyed into Taupo. When fixed at Pukawa, in the Church to be built, it will be an object of great interest and value. It will welcome, with its sound, the poor savage to the House of God, where he may hear the "glad tidings" of a Saviour's love. Its gladdening tones will be carried on the breeze over the bosom of the beautiful Lake, and will be a signal of the hour of prayer to nearly all the villages on its margin.

I will not fail to forward to you and the Christian friends in Scotland, who have so kindly given the bell, a letter from the Maoris acknowledging the receipt of it, and returning their thanks to the donors; but I must remind you not to be impatient as to time. Some 6 or 8 months may pass before the Bell will reach Taupo! You know the slow rate at which things proceed here.

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I have been happy to find that Mr. Vidal has paid the expenses of shipment, etc., from England, so now the bell will cost the Taupo Station nothing.

Praying the Lord may be with you in your intended journey.

Believe me, Yours faithfully,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

Mr. J. Telford,
Auckland.