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

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CHAPTER II

TAUPO

PUKAWA, TAUPO,
4th May, 1855.

MY DEAR SIR,

I take this my first opportunity to inform you that through God's mercies we have at length reached Taupo in safety. We arrived here on the 19th ultimo, after being seven weeks and three days in our tents since leaving Mr. Spencer's house at Tarawera, and during which time Mrs. Grace and the children have had many privations to endure; however, I am thankful to say that they do not appear to be any the worse in health. All praise is due to the Maoris. They may have tried our patience at times, but we have had the happy experience of seeing them do their best with cheerfulness, and without the least expectation of payment.

The greater part of our baggage was carried from the Coast to Tarawera in January, when, finding that the work was so hard, they all went home quite knocked up, but returned in March bringing with them fresh Maoris; so that, on starting from Tarawera, we numbered 80 Natives, about 50 of whom were able to carry burdens. These, with the assistance of two or three horses, carried back-loads with the greatest patience and perseverance. Three loads for each bearer obliged him to travel the ground six times over; this, with the constant foraging for food, together with wet weather, delayed us so long in the desert.

In addition to carrying, they have kept their word, and have built us a temporary house, 12 yds. X 6 yds., divided into three apartments, on which we are now busily

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engaged in adding windows, doors, a floor of Native slabs, a chimney of pumice stone, and two other rooms for Natives--one for a bedroom, the other as a dining-room.

It would give me pleasure to send you a full account of our journey to this place, but the demands upon my time have been many since our arrival, and to-morrow, all being well, I have to leave for Rotomahana to attend a great Meeting of Maoris, and to do all in my power to bring the war of the Tarawera people to a close. After having attended this meeting I must travel on to the coast to have a few more packages brought in--so, for the present, the account must stand over.

Praying that God will, of His great mercy, bless what He has enabled us to begin, and trusting that He will "never leave us nor forsake us..."

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

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

PUKAWA, LAKE TAUPO,
11th Sepr. 1855.

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

MY DEAR SIR,

In May last I wrote you a few lines informing you of our arrival here, and promising to write you more fully as soon as the opportunity offered. I now have great pleasure in fulfilling that promise by sending you some particulars of our travels, and of the reception that we received at Taupo.

The coast of New Zealand is particularly dangerous. In the little Native vessel that I chartered in Auckland I encountered a heavy gale on my passage to Turanga; and, when I left Turanga with my family, we were stuck on the bar and in great danger for some hours, the seas breaking over our little bark. Mrs. Grace and the children escaped on the shoulders of Maoris amidst breakers which only Maoris would have dared to encounter! Our boat

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was broken, but, even had it remained whole, it would have been useless. After this we had to spend nine days in our tents on the beach, while the cargo was discharged and Maoris assembled to get her off the bar. During this time we suffered considerable loss. At length we left Turanga with a fair wind, but, on the second night at sundown, after we had rounded the East Cape we were overtaken by a fearful storm from the North. We could not go back, and, in going forward there was the greatest danger of our being driven upon the rocks. From the hold of our little vessel God heard our prayers, and, after passing a sad night, we ventured, in the forenoon of the next day, to run into a small bay which afforded a little shelter. Here we found another Native vessel, and, by the aid of a boat, we were able to gain the shore, where we spent two days. When leaving Whakatane for Auckland another gale, accompanied by a tremendous sea, burst upon us almost in a moment! In so small a craft you can conceive the anxiety of a parent with so helpless a family. God's mercy, however, was greater than our fears. A little after midnight, after about 15 hours tossing, we welcomed the Sabbath morn in comparatively smooth water, on the other side of Cape Colville. In Auckland many trials awaited us, of which you know something.

On leaving Auckland we had much difficulty in procuring a vessel, and, after waiting several weeks, were obliged to engage a very small one of only 10 tons, that had been an old landing boat.

The crew consisted of an invalid European, one Maori and a boy of 14 years. In this we had a good passage to Maketu where we put in just in time to escape a storm which we could not possibly have weathered! This was providential as our poor European could not bear even the slight exertion at the helm. Mr. Chapman gave us a most kind reception. After a week's delay we started for Matata which, like most of the rivers of this island, is guarded by a bar and heavy surf, and can only be entered at high water. We reached this place at low tide, a most inconvenient time, while the wind, which was already blowing fresh, was fast increasing. Seeing a large canoe about to run in, and being very anxious concerning my

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family, I hailed it; it came alongside and, by some means, we all got safely into it. Another danger awaited us--the crossing of the bar! The Maoris, however, performed their part with exquisite skill; we rode on the crests of three successive breakers, and were at last washed high and dry upon the shore. Thus ended our travels by sea. The poor European died about a month afterwards.

The Natives gave us a kind welcome. Three women joined themselves to Mrs. Grace, that they might administer to her wants, and, though far from our destination, we seemed once more to be at our work and at home, and were enabled to thank God and take courage.

Now commenced our inland journey which has since, in six months, cost me 1500 miles of foot travelling! Over some parts of the road I have passed 18 times, and over no part less than five! Our first enquiry was respecting the Maoris from Taupo--none had come! We were informed that a few, who had been down a little time before, had left word that the people of Taupo had determined to have £4 each for a single load. This news was discouraging, yet, if they were to be paid, not unreasonable for a month's work at least, seeing that they could get 5s. per day as labourers. About this time five Natives of Tauranga refused, at Archn. Brown's request, to accompany some military men to Taupo though £20 was offered to them. This news did not at all surprise me. My mind was made up--no half measures would meet the case. If payment was to be made it must be full and equitable; if not entertained, it must be refused altogether. From the first I had stipulated that, if I came to Taupo, the people to whom I was being sent must help to carry us in. They had consented to this arrangement, though there was too much reason to believe that they never seriously intended to perform their part.

Food was scarce, new potatoes not being ready to dig, and, in Taupo, and on the road, would not be available for six or eight weeks. I could not leave my family to take a journey to Taupo; for the store, which the Maoris had put up for us, was such a resort for mosquitoes and sandflies, that it was not possible for us to live in it. Our poor children had no rest, and were one mass of inflamma-

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tion from the bites. I therefore lost no time in making up packages such as a man could carry, in order to push up the river as far as possible, and then move on to Tarawera to leave Mrs. Grace and the children, and from thence make another journey to Taupo. This would at least make it evident to the Taupo Maoris that I was moving. Accordingly, after enduring the torments of the mosquitoes for a fortnight, and experiencing many pleasing marks of disinterested affection from the Natives, we commenced our journey, poling our canoes up the river. The first day it was pleasant enough, though very slow work, but the next day we had torrents of rain with no possibility of pitching our tents. At evening we arrived at a small village where a settler very kindly took us in, and did all he possibly could for us, for which we were indeed thankful. What Mrs. Grace and the infants most wanted was a good fire at which to warm themselves, but the good man's house was without the luxury of a fireplace. The two following days were spent opening some of our damaged packages. At this place I purchased a small house for a store, and, finding it difficult and expensive to hire canoes, I bought one. We then set out for Tarawera, the European kindly sending his son to accompany us with another horse. The young man took charge of my two eldest boys, but, on the second day, had the misfortune to get his horse into a swamp, when my eldest little boy had a most providential escape, for he fell under the plunging horse, and was buried in the swamp. In the evening we reached Tarawera Lake, where we had difficulty in getting a canoe. It was long after dark when we reached the other side. Almost perpendicular cliffs had to be climbed in the dark and rain--(a most formidable undertaking for a lady and little children)--consequently it was 10.0 p.m. when we reached Mr. Spencer's Station faint from hunger and fatigue. This terminated the first week of our journey by land.

To detail all the circumstances connected with the next part of our journey would occupy considerable length; I must therefore briefly state that two parties of the Taupo Maoris met me at Tarawera early in the journey according to appointment; but, instead of coming in a large body,

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they numbered only 20 bearers. When I expressed my surprise at so few having come, they informed me that they had come for Mrs. Grace and the children, and, that afterwards, they would return for the luggage. When they found that I would not alter my plans, the great Chief, Te Heuheu, became very violent; however, I remained firm and left him to consider the matter quietly; however, on account of some remarks that he made, I sent him back one of his wives who had come to nurse for Mrs. Grace. In a day or two he became reasonable, and at last agreed to proceed with me to the coast and to commence carrying.

With this small force we carried, under a burning sun, for three weeks, between the Coast and Tarawera Lake. After a beginning had been made the Natives did their utmost, but, owing to the hard nature of the work and the scarcity of food, they at length broke down, quite knocked up. Most of the men had never carried before, carrying burdens being the work of the womenfolk. Having done all they could they proposed to return to Taupo and come back in a month's time with additional carriers. To this arrangement I was obliged to comply. With two Maoris, and two pack-horses, I spent most of February carrying on the same part of the road; so, by the beginning of March, we had altogether 150 packages deposited in a house on the Tarawera Lake.

On the 7th March I left Mr. Spencer's with my family and camped at the head of Roto Mahana, there to await the return of the Taupo Natives. After waiting a week they appeared at our camping place--80 in all, and, out of which, we found 50 bearers. They spent two days bringing up the baggage from Tarawera to our encampment, but then went off to Roto Rua to settle some Native business, and did not return for a fortnight, when they began to carry in real earnest to the next stage over the hills and through the swamps, which lie at the commencement of the desert of the interior. Our great difficulty was to get a supply of food for so many, and, their chief food being potatoes, our toil was much increased; however, nothing could now damp the ardour of our people! The sight of their distant snowy mountains roused their enthusiasm,

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which not even heavy losses could lessen. At this time two of our milch cows and a calf died from drinking the water of a stream that flowed from the hot-springs. I had brought them all the way from the Bay of Islands with the hope that they would be the parents of a nice little dairy herd for our School. But a greater loss awaited the poor Maoris. On their first journey they had perceived that I had only one horse for Mrs. Grace, our governess and five children, and so had brought a number of their own horses, all of which were drowned while crossing the Waikato River! This was a blow I little expected and which I thought would be followed by bad consequences; for, at a low calculation, according to the present value of horses, their loss could not be less than £200! My fears were groundless. There was a little crying amongst the women for their favourite animals, but not one word of regret for having brought them--not a single hint at a desire that I should pay for them! The next morning they took to their canoes as cheerfully as ever and entertained us with some grand and exciting feats of paddling the canoes up a stretch of rapids. The canoes had to be lightened, then, with as many as 40 Maoris in a single canoe paddling with all their might, with a regularity that nothing could exceed, they forced the canoes up in splendid fashion!

After many mercies, dangers, difficulties, many narrow escapes and much wet and cold weather, we arrived at the North end of Lake Taupo on Saturday the 14th April, 1855. A number of canoes were awaiting us, but a strong Southerly wind made the lake very dangerous. The Natives hesitated for a long time; but, seeing we had no food and would have to spend the Sabbath in a cold unsheltered place, it was resolved to venture, and, after about two hours' hard paddling, we reached the first village on that end of the Lake, named Rangatira, but known to you by the name of "Jerusalem," where we received a hearty reception and spent the Sabbath. On Monday we were detained by the Southerly wind; but, on Tuesday morning, we started off an hour before daylight in a dense fog, and, after some suspense, succeeded in effecting a crossing of about ten miles with great precision, our only guide for steering being

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the course of the waves. Soon afterwards the morning cleared and we paddled on to a village called Motutere, otherwise "Babylon."

As we drew near the people assembled on the shore and welcomed us with a dance. As the greater part of our people belonged to this place, they were not a little elated at being once more at home. Here we were delayed until Thursday morning when, at daybreak, we again took to our canoes and sailed for Pukawa. Our party was now very large, numbering eleven large canoes, all quite full, many having joined us to be present on our arrival at the Station. The distance we had to sail was about 18 miles and was accomplished by half-past ten a.m. Our arrival opposite Pukawa was to us a moment of the most intense interest. After more than four years' preparation, after the gravest doubts as to whether we should be able to accomplish our object, after travels and dangers which it is impossible for me to describe, we were now, at last, in sight of our future habitation and our work--safe with our infant family! Not even the sad thought that we had lost one dear child on the way could destroy our feelings of thankfulness to our Heavenly Father. Our party appeared to have somewhat similar feelings. The eleven canoes came up all abreast, one tall man standing up in the centre canoe beating time with his paddle, while the whole company, in their own Native way, began to exhibit the gladness of their hearts!

They struck up a song, which, quite unknown to us, they had specially prepared for the occasion, the burden of which was to this effect: "Is it not a good thing that we have got Mother thus far in safety? Paddle the canoe! Paddle the canoe!" And while the paddlers sang, the big canoes moved on in a stately manner to the shore until the notes of the song were lost in the shouts of welcome which reached us from the shore.

We landed, and after our little European company had bent their knees at the water's brink to return thanks to the God of all mercies, we all, on the same spot, assembled for Native service and special prayer.

After this we were obliged to pitch our tents again until Saturday in order to be present to receive the indi-

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vidual welcome of all who had assembled to meet us, and to hear what they had to say.

It had been arranged by our party at this meeting to discuss the propriety of those parties belonging to our Church, who had not assisted in our journey, of at once assembling to put up a large School House; but, to our great annoyance, a small party present embraced the opportunity of so large an assembly to bring forward a dispute about some land, which occupied two whole days and disturbed the minds of all the people.

Before I bid farewell to our journey I must pay a tribute to the honesty of the Maoris. During the whole time they were with us, though temptations were strong, we never missed a single article, and this in spite of the fact that many packages had to be opened on the way.

A few things were lost in the river--but this was entirely accidental. At this moment my two stores on, and near, the coast are in the hands of strange Maoris, and could both (one especially) be entered by anyone! In making provision for a Station I confess to have made one mistake, and that is in procuring locks. At present we have nothing locked, and I really think locks may be dispensed with.

I am half inclined to believe that the sort of suspicion attendant upon locking, may, in some minds, beget the desire of stealing.

Another little matter I will name. In our journey we did not follow the common route on account of getting water carriage wherever we could. In many cases we had to make roads; but, on the last stage of land travelling, we passed over an old road which has not been used for many years. This road we learned was called the "Road of War"--"Now," they said, "it must be called the Gospel Road!" It is somewhat remarkable that the road by which their enemies had approached them should be the one by which the "Message of Peace" was conveyed to them!

On Saturday, the 21st of April, we entered the frail unfinished habitation---to an English family a poor apology for a house. Though without doors, windows, and chimney, and with the damp earth for a floor, yet, even thus, it was most acceptable to us after our long residence

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in calico tents. All its deficiencies were supplied when we remembered that, while our Great Master had not where to lay His head, this house had been erected by poor Maoris, without consideration of payment! We looked upon it as a token of goodwill, and it was to us more welcome than if it had been, under other circumstances, more substantial and convenient. Thus ended our travels. We had been more successful than my most sanguine expectations. I had resolved that, if I could find ten who would assist me for the Gospel's sake, I would proceed. God gave me 50, each of whom was willing to take, on an average, nearly three loads. Not one of all who have carried asked for payment, but the majority have acknowledged that it was scriptural that they should assist us. Many have pleaded the cause themselves, and have, again and again, excused their first reluctance and desire for payment by saying, "We had always been paid, and had, therefore, been taught to expect it."

The evening of this Saturday was spent in establishing a Saturday evening Missionary prayer meeting--which we then held for the first time--and in arranging our services for the Sabbath. Our services were held in the open air, the congregations being large for Taupo. The people were very attentive as I addressed them from the parable of the Good Shepherd.

The following week was spent in doing whatever we could to make our home habitable, and, by the end of it, we were once more able to sit by a fireside. The Maoris lent us all the slabs of wood they had that we might lay them down for floors.

A few small windows, that I had purchased in Auckland, were soon fixed; squared pumice stones were used in place of bricks for a chimney. After so many frosty nights spent round a camp fire, or else wrapped up in blankets in tents, the poor children rejoiced greatly at the treat of a good fire in a tolerably warm room.

These things done I should have been thankful to have had a little rest, but the Maoris required to be thought of! A number had already attached themselves to us, while many others were waiting to join us, so that no time was to be lost in making the best preparation we could for

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their reception, and in commencing our industrial establishment. This meant that another journey to the Coast was indispensable, besides which, the connection of many of our people with the war at Tarawera, and the fact that a meeting for the settling or renewing of this war was to be held, required that I should be present.

This journey occupied six weeks, during which we had a succession of frost and wet. This was decidedly the most arduous journey I have had in connection with coming here. My two poor Maoris endured their toil with wonderful patience. We reached home on the 15th June quite knocked up, and grieved to learn that Mrs. Grace had had a severe attack of rheumatic fever. When we first arrived at Taupo I thought she had taken no harm, but her repeated attacks of rheumatic fever convince me to the contrary. During all her fatigues and trials while travelling, she was unable to wean her twin children, consequently other unfavourable symptoms are now appearing.

We have at present 54 Natives on the Station, all of whom are fed and clothed according to European custom. These consist of 4 young men (unmarried), 12 married men and their wives, 9 girls about twelve years old, 8 children from five to ten, and 9 under ten.

From my return to the present time our labours have been many. Ten small cottages, each consisting of two rooms, have been built; also a sleeping room for the girls, and an eating room for the whole number. In addition to this, about 15 acres of rough fern land have been dug for wheat and potatoes, and a considerable quantity of substantial fencing put up; also a large building, 43 feet by 29 feet, to be used as a school and chapel, is in a forward state. While this work has been in progress ten men have made a journey to the Coast. I think we have every reason to be satisfied with their industry, and I name these things that you may see that these people are not the idle folks that they are often represented to be!

Mrs. Grace and the women and girls have not had less to do in making garments, and attending to the food, etc. etc.

The every-day wear and tear of the mind, with so many women and children brought into such close contact with

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us, and all looking to one lady for instruction and guidance, is very great.

Our Sunday services have gone on regularly. They consist of School at 9.0 a.m., followed by morning service, and then our private European service. In the afternoon, Native Service; and in the evening we have a school in our own house, when we hear our own people repeat the Collect, Epistle and Gospel for the day, which they commit to memory during the week. Their memories have greatly improved since they began to learn, and, though many of them cannot read, they generally succeed in getting the Collect and part of the Gospel.

The interest that the Turanga Natives took in this exercise has, I trust, come here. Our routine for the week is as follows: I have school with the men, immediately after morning prayers, for instruction in English and figures. After breakfast the men go to their work, and Mrs. Grace has sewing school with the women and girls. Two evenings a week, Monday and Wednesday, they assemble for singing--in which subject they have made some advance. On Friday evening they assemble for the purpose of learning the lessons for Sunday. On Saturday evening we have our Missionary prayer meeting. Thus you have a view of our state at present. As soon as the large building is finished, we hope to transfer the sewing school to the afternoon, and to have a morning school for Scripture instruction (which at present is supplied by questions on the chapter which is read at morning prayer) and also for reading and writing, etc.

My health, I am sorry to say, has not been as good this winter as usual. In addition to a little general debility, I have suffered, in common with every member of our family, from inflammation of the eyes, which has placed me in darkness for days together. We conclude that the trouble is due to some peculiarity in the climate.

During the winter I have made several short journeys in order to spend a Sunday at one or other of the outlying villages where, I regret to say, the people are in a very ignorant state. They appear to show a good deal of interest in their Missionary, but very little in his message. The spiritual aspect is, in many ways, very discouraging.

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The people have generally embraced Christianity, but without giving up their idolatry. They may be said to serve "God and Baal."

Men who occupy the places of Native Teachers are much more frightened of being bewitched and destroyed by some Native god than they are alarmed at the terrors of the holy law of God. If sickness appears they think it the work of a Native god and resort to some old priest. An instance of this has just occurred with a Native Teacher living a short distance away. Amongst this class of men I have been able to find two only who appear consistent, together with one other hopeful case. One of these two is a dying leper (the fearful disease of leprosy is very common here); the other is an elderly man of very little learning.

The Maoris of Roto Aira, who were promised they should have a Missionary, are not yet reconciled. They have kept quite away from us, and I fear it will be some time before they take a different view of things. Beside this, the Maoris are much more scattered than are those on the coast. They are never to be met with in any numbers together except on some great occasion. Again, as they have no means of selling anything in Taupo, and cannot carry produce to the Coast to sell for clothes, the young men, in great numbers, go off to the towns to work as labourers where they get as much as 5s. a day.

In some cases the Native Teachers will go, and thereby cause all the services, both weekday and Sunday, to cease.

I am far from seeing my way clearly, but our work is one of faith. This time last year the outlook was even more gloomy. He who has dispelled some of the clouds is also able to remove the rest.

Praying that God may of His great goodness "direct, counsel and guide" you in all your measures for the furtherance of His truth amongst men.

I remain, my Dear Sir,
Very sincerely yours,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

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REPORT OF THE TAUPO DISTRICT FOR 1855.

In presenting a report of the commencement of a Mission to the Natives at Taupo I do so with a feeling of thankfulness to Almighty God, who has permitted us to reach this place in safety after so many delays, difficulties and dangers.

We arrived here on the 19th of April after a long and trying journey--the particulars of which I forwarded to the Committee last year--since which time I have been much from home.

On our arrival here I could spend only a few days in making little arrangements for the comfort of my family, being obliged to return to the Coast, a journey that occupied six weeks.

In July I took a short missionary journey down the West side of the Lake. In October I went on a Missionary journey to Tuhua, which is at the South of Taupo, by the great snowy mountains of Tongariro, and extends about half-way down the Whanganui River. This of itself is a large district. Here I was grieved to find everything at a standstill. These Maoris expected that we were to have had a residence amongst them. From thence I journeyed on to Whanganui to fulfil a promise that I made to Mr. Taylor, namely, that I would visit his Station during his absence. I was not aware that Mr. Stock had been appointed to take Mr. Taylor's duties. While returning home we were three weeks poling up the river during incessant rains and against a strong flood. This journey occupied five weeks. On my return, after a week at Pukawa, I had to make another journey to the coast, which took another five weeks--so that I have been at the Station only four months since our arrival.

The District of Taupo presents a large surface with a widely scattered population; the tribes are exceedingly jealous of each other. At the time I first visited Taupo for the purpose of fixing upon a site for the Station, such were the heart burnings on the subject, war was greatly to be feared as the result! God was, however, graciously pleased to overrule this state of feeling by giving a

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wonderful amount of forbearance to opposing parties, and so brought about a peaceful termination. However, disappointment and jealousy still exist in some of the tribes, and this has prevented their co-operation with us, both in the work of carrying our baggage, and in sending either teachers or children to our school. The aspect of the spiritual condition of the Taupo Maoris is far from encouraging. The Gospel to them has not that freshness which is calculated to arrest their attention. They have told us that we have come "too late!" They have long known of the Gospel, and are in a backsliding state--cold and indifferent as to their spiritual wants, but most eager about the things of time. Their belief in witchcraft, and their fear of "Tapu," I think could never have been stronger than at present. Of those who have held the offices of Native Teachers and Monitors, I can now speak with satisfaction of one only.

Large congregations cannot be expected in Taupo on account of the scattered state of the people. The congregation at the Station has averaged about one hundred; that of the village of Motutere about 60. I am not able to speak correctly of other places for, in many villages, I found that the people had ceased to meet regularly on account of the Native Teachers having left them in order to work in the towns.

Our School establishment is more encouraging. Since last I wrote to you our numbers have increased to 68. Amongst many of these there is considerable improvement, but at present it is too early to judge. They are all receiving instruction, and eat and live in a European manner. We have endeavoured to introduce a standard of civilization nearly equal to that of the English Cottager, and at present there exists amongst the women a wholesome rivalry as to which shall have the neatest house and the cleanest children.

There were many reasons for commencing an establishment for adults as well as for children. Without funds we could not begin to erect a School-house, other buildings and fences, etc. etc., while dealing with children only, even could they have been obtained.

By receiving parents as well as children we have been

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enabled to do a considerable amount of work in the way of building, fencing and raising food.

This year we have had to purchase all our food and clothing, and, in consequence, our expenses are heavy. Next year I hope our expenditure will be less; but clothing will always be an obstacle to a large, self-supporting establishment in Taupo for, beyond the wants of the Mission family, I see nothing that can be produced by the School for sale. Natives in this far inland place cannot, by any possibility, give their services to the School, or attend to their duties as Native Teachers, and, at the same time, procure their own clothing. My desire, therefore, for all the worthy Native Teachers I can find, is to connect them with the Station, where I propose they shall reside part of the time, and, when at their different villages, devote themselves to their duties as Teachers, and in planting a sufficiency of food for themselves; and, having done this, to look to me for clothes. This seems to be the best provision I can make at present. How far it may be successful we must leave to Him who alone doeth "all things well." My own opinion has long been that, humanly speaking, nothing but a Native Ministry can meet the wants of this race, and that, with God's blessing, nothing is so likely to save them as a people.

The land for the Station at Taupo having been given, together with the fact that the people have carried so much of our luggage without payment, has produced a considerable sensation and enquiry amongst the tribes. It has also led to many conversations and explanations from ourselves, which I trust will not be altogether lost. Some have stood up and contended that it is scriptural that they should do all in their power to support the Gospel, at the same time confessing that they did not see the matter in this light at first.

Others have condemned the principle and myself for putting it into operation, on the grounds of having always been paid, and have even taunted our greatest men "for having become slaves" by working without payment. However, the general feeling is on our side. May our Heavenly Father graciously overrule it all for the good of this people. The present is a most important crisis in the

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history of our work, and of the salvation, or extinction, of the Maori.

The Lord's Supper has been administered twice since we arrived. Number of communicants 36. Baptisms--Adults none; Children 13.

(Sd.) T. S. G.

PUKAWA, TAUPO.

PUKAWA, TAUPO,
26th Decr. 1856.

MY DEAR SIR,

About a year ago I received a circular requesting an annual letter to be forwarded at the close of each year. That document, I am sorry to say, shared the same fate as many of my other papers which were lost in the fire that destroyed the Mission Premises. If I remember rightly, you desired a review of our past work, its present state, and future prospects.

In reviewing the past I do so with thankfulness for the many mercies we have received. Our course has been anything but smooth. I was sent here out of due time, and placed in an important sphere before I had time to imbibe either the views, habits or prejudices of my seniors in the Mission. Whether the plan I have followed has tended to the furtherance of our work and the preservation of this race, time will show. There can be no doubt but that in many respects they are in a very different situation to that in which they were, and I earnestly pray that grace may be given to protect and guide their goings.

In this review I cannot help being struck with the special providence that has attended me in moments of danger. Three times I have been thrown into the water and have had to save myself by swimming. Once, while passing under some high cliffs by the seaside, a great breaker curled over my head, swept the cliff at my side and, on its return, all but carried me with it. At another time, in the depth of winter, during a Southerly storm, I was benighted in a swamp, and unable to find the road owing to it being flooded. My bearers had missed me in the dark and gone on by another road of which I was not acquainted. I had neither tent, food, nor blanket. The sleet and rain

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were such that, after a long day's travel through the country, for the most part flooded, fatigue and cold overcame me, and I hardly hoped to see the morning, yet God graciously preserved me, and, beyond my sufferings at the time, I am not aware that I took any harm.

Again, about twelve months ago, by mistake, a quantity of sulphate of zinc was given to me for Epsom salts, yet, in spite of the pains and vomiting that lasted for some hours, the trouble passed off without further inconvenience. I might easily multiply similar cases, but these are sufficient to make me realize how much I owe to our Heavenly Father, and to cause me at the close of the year to say--"Hitherto hath the Lord helped me!"

In looking back a minister is naturally anxious to see more than this. We desire to see many cases of real conversion. Such cases have not been wanting, though they do not appear to be on a large scale; at the same time it must be remembered that we are not good judges of our own work. In judging of individual cases of real conversion we are liable to many mistakes; our views of Christian consistency and propriety being so different to those of Natives in general, that many things, which would be a burden to our conscience, would not be perceived by them. Again, much that an enlightened Christian would allow would be a burden to many of our Maori brethren. If we take a more general view, things are more encouraging. We often find fruits of righteousness where we least expected to see them! I have been greatly astonished at the truly Christian manner in which our people have settled some important disputes which, at other times, would have ended in war.

Te Heuheu tells us that we have tied his hands so that he cannot fight! A little while ago he returned from a journey to Hawke's Bay, where he had been in order to prevent Te Hapuku and some of his people from fighting over a portion of land that had been sold. In true Maori fashion he related to us all that had happened from the time he left Taupo until his return. In speaking of the difficulties that they met with on the journey, Mrs. Grace asked him if he had ever been on that road before. The tears started into the old warrior's eyes and he replied, "Oh

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yes, Mother, I know that road well--it is one of the roads on which we used to go to kill men! I have killed and eaten many men on that road. I am sorry for it now--but, Mother, I knew no better then." The first dawn of light seems to have broken over the darkness of his heart. May God grant that it may increase more and more. Te Heuheu has been a great warrior and is still a remarkable man who, beneath a boisterous, and, at times, forbidding manner, has an amount of good sense and honourable feeling which I have not yet met with in any other Chief. The present position of this Mission and of the Maoris is deeply interesting. Temporally the existence of the Maoris is at stake; spiritually, they are being thrown upon their own resources for the support of their religion. If this people continue to have a National existence, I have no doubt but that there will be found amongst them vitality and energy sufficient to support their Church.

If, on the other hand, they continue to dwindle down as they have done, the prospect is that they will give less and less attention to spiritual matters. For some time past, they have felt themselves to be a dying race, and, at this moment, multitudes are ready to embrace anything they think likely to save them.

On my last journey to the coast I had a conversation with some Maoris on the subject of their paying attention to the absurd pretensions of the Wairuarua, when an important man rose up and said:--"When the missionaries came we consented to them because we thought they were a law of life to the body. When the Wesleyans came we consented to them because we thought their worship was a law of life for the body. Afterwards, when the Romanists came, we consented unto them because we thought they, too, had a law of life for the body. For the same reason we now listen to the Wairuarua."

There can be no doubt of the truth of this testimony in the multitude of cases. The fact is, that since the Gospel has been preached amongst them, they have so greatly diminished that there is a widespread feeling that the Gospel is a law of death.

Surely the diminution of this race is a subject which it behoves us to look into, especially since we see the opinion

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put forth that God is cutting down the Maoris on account of their being so deeply stained with guilt, and that the children are perishing for the sins of their fathers. It is well to note that it is over the present generation more particularly that Death holds his sway.

Seeing that our Mission is a proof of God's mercy to them, I think it a duty to leave such guessings at the decrees of Omnipotence, and, instead, to see if there are not sufficient natural causes to account for the threatened extinction of this race. The causes may be considered under these three heads: 1. FOOD; 2. CLOTHING; 3. CONTACT WITH EUROPEANS. It would carry me beyond the limits of my letter to treat of each of these as they require. I will therefore notice only one of the evils arising from contact with Europeans, with a passing remark or two respecting the others; suffice it to say that, on all these points, the revolution has been attended with fatal results.

My remark under the third head is respecting the much talked of amalgamation of the two races. This, for the time being, may serve political purposes, but there can be no question, I think, as to its destructive influence upon the Maori race. Equitable amalgamation might be all very well; but, so far, the so-called amalgamation that has been going on has been all on one side, and, in 99 cases out of 100, the connections have been purely adulterous. No one has ever heard of a European woman being incorporated with the Maori race. It is generally admitted that throughout the island the male sex greatly predominates; consequently it must be ruinous if European settlers, by the means of money, can procure one Maori woman after another, as often as they choose to send away their former one. By such means, together with the wholesale prostitution of Maori women in the towns, great numbers of Maori men are excluded from the hope and possibility of honourable marriage, to the great damage of the Maori race. This is one only of the smallest evils arising from their contact with us.

The future prospects of this people appear dark indeed; so much so, that I believe many of their best friends have come to the conclusion that they must perish. This con-

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clusion, I consider, is premature. Even yet there is hope. Mentally and physically, I think there is still vitality sufficient to enable the patient to recover, provided he can be removed from some of the destructive influences that now surround him. The remedy is not so much to be sought for in what we can do for him, as in what we should teach him to do for himself. The Maoris require to be made fully aware of their situation, and of their remaining strength, and to be roused into energy.

Increased information, with God's blessing, appears almost the only means left by which we can benefit them. A Maori Ministry would, perhaps, do this better than any other agent. It would be beginning at the right end--"Seek ye first the Kingdom of God," etc., etc. I would break right through that surveillance by which Maori Teachers have been held. A Native Ministry has been withheld far too long, and it has tended to poverty, both spiritual and temporal. The suitability of a Maori for the Ministry ought not to be judged by comparing his information with ours, but by comparing him with other members of his race. What is the great reason why they have made so little advance either in spiritual or temporal things under our instruction? Just this--our standard has always been too high. Our whole line of things has been something for them to wonder at rather than to imitate. The end of this course is now to be seen in the confused state of the Native mind. Maoris are most anxious to imitate us, but know not where to begin. They have had no training. They generally aim at too much, and so accomplish nothing. They require guides sufficiently advanced to be leaders, but not so far advanced as to be out of sight of their followers.

The Maoris are, perhaps, the most practical people in the world. They will listen to theories with delight, but that is all. When they see a practical demonstration they get to work at once. This has been seen in the erection of flour mills. The difficulties that they have overcome, and the perseverance they have shown to procure them, have been surprising. The same may be said of the plough. No sooner did they see it in the hands of a Maori than they threw away their spades and would not touch them. It is

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a fact that, the first year after we set the plough to work at Turanga, many Maoris did not sow any wheat because they could not procure ploughs with which to work their land. From Hawke's Bay to Matata I have been besieged for ploughs. I could not have travelled had I not had them. The first plough in Hawke's Bay was a payment to bearers I had from there. The Native whose vessel I chartered, when he arrived at Turanga and saw the effects of the plough, made me promise to give him one in part payment for the vessel. This was the first plough in the Bay of Plenty. When I wanted a store built at Matata, two ploughs were the stipulated payment--nothing else would do. Again, when I found it necessary to buy a canoe for the river, I was obliged to pay with a plough. And again, for a small house at Tarawera, a plough had to be given.

This instrument has created a great change in the circumstances of this people and will, I trust, lead to still more important results.

Spade husbandry was killing them. It was more than their strength could bear to raise wheat at such immense labour, while living upon potatoes--and then to sell it for less than 1s. 6d. per bushel of 60 lbs. in weight. Their wheat was all reserved; they never thought of eating the smallest quantity of it. I have seen a family starving with a house full of wheat, all of which was reserved in part payment for an old, worthless horse!

I feel thankful for the change that has taken place, not on account of the increased wealth of the Maoris, but because it is leading to the disuse of the blanket, to the general consumption of bread as an article of food, and to the use, also, of milk.

According to the universal testimony of the Maoris, it is stated that, when living on fern-root, they were a strong people. No change in food could have been greater than that from the hard, dry, nutritious fern-root to potatoes. No wonder that they have seen a corresponding change in their constitution.

I name this matter because it shows that they are a very practical people. They had heard of the plough; they had seen Europeans plough before I knew them; their

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general reply was, "It is a good thing for the European." I was greatly discouraged at this reply, which met me at every turn, until it became evident that theory was lost upon them.

There is another subject connected with the future which is of first importance, and this is the support to be derived from the Maoris themselves for their Church. Here again a Maori Ministry appears to be the instrument best fitted to draw this forth. We must expect to meet with difficulties on this subject. I have had so much to say in the matter since we came amongst the Maoris, that I have had many opportunities of knowing their mind. We have found it deeply rooted in them that the Gospel should cost them nothing. And why? because the custom has been to pay them for everything. Has land been wanted for a Station--buy it from them. Has timber been required for buildings--pay them for the trees out of which it is to be cut. Have services been wanted--hire them. If a Maori makes you a present, be sure you pay him for it. This has been the practical School in which they have been educated. In short, we have planted a Native Church without Native responsibility. Should it wither away, we ought not to be surprised. How can I wonder that the Taupo Maoris say to me, "You yourselves have taught us to expect payment... we have always been paid and therefore expect it." This is now a hard lesson for Natives to learn, nevertheless it is a really merciful work to lay on them all the responsibility we can. I earnestly pray, that, as the great Head of the Church prepares the men, there may be no more delay on our part to send them out into the "Vineyard"! I really think our custom to Maori Teachers has been unscriptural. We have sent them to preach the Gospel, but we have not provided, not even taught them, that they should live by the Gospel. This state of things has been ruinous to the Native Church and to the Maoris themselves.

In Taupo it is common to a proverb that "the Teachers have destroyed the faith!"--and this is lamentably true. With the exception of Hoani, I have not a single Maori Teacher belonging to Taupo in whom I can place any confidence. One or two others, in whom I had hope,

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have shown only too clearly that the root of the matter is not in them.

I have written this letter with a feeling of uncertainty as to the kind of communication that you required. I trust, however, that I am not altogether beside the subject.

I remain, my dear Sir,
Very truly yours,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

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

REPORT OF THE TAUPO DISTRICT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECR., 1856.

The past year has been one of peculiar trial to this Station. As the former year closed we could look back with satisfaction and forward with hope. This year our Heavenly Father has seen it good in His wisdom to visit us with many trials. Our work during the greater part of it has been under a cloud, so that I am not able to report progress that we expected.

At the early part of the year Mrs. Grace's health was such as to make me feel it a duty, at the end of March, to take her to the Coast for change. During my absence a number of deaths that occurred at one of the villages greatly disturbed our Maoris. After this, on the 24th May, the Mission Premises, comprising our dwelling-house, storeroom and other buildings, were all destroyed by fire, in which we have suffered the destruction of almost everything! Our Maoris, who before the fire were more than half worn out with continued journeys to the coast, were now so completely depressed that, for this and other reasons, I judged it best to suspend our Native Establishment, retaining only a few of our people as a nucleus for future operations. The fire was so sweeping that the Maoris concluded we should be under the necessity of leaving Taupo; and I regret to say that many of them did not show us much consideration; however, since I began to build

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a permanent house their confidence has returned and, on the whole, they have behaved very well.

The Taupo Mission will require much wisdom and patience. Our reception was encouraging. The assistance that the Maoris have rendered has been a start in the right direction, but, perhaps, the greater difficulties remain behind. It is one thing to gain a position, but quite another to be able to keep it. The novelty of a Missionary in Taupo has passed away; we now have to grapple with the real difficulties of the place and people.

The situation of Taupo is such that, to keep up a communication with the Coast and to procure supplies must continue to be a most formidable matter. The people are not at present in a state in which it is reasonable to expect them to repeat their services, and, if we once commenced a system of payment, I conceive that, in a year or two, expenses would be such as to make it necessary to abandon our Mission. My desire is to ease matters as much as possible by procuring pack-horses--but this cannot be done without funds.

The Taupo Maoris are peculiar. I have not met with Natives anywhere so slow to be brought into anything like order. No rules can bind them. They will unanimously consent to a regulation to-day that they will trample under foot to-morrow, and for so acting they will not bear the least reproof. Their poverty, their widely scattered state, the unsatisfactory conduct of Native Teachers, the small number of young people (and these with little or no desire for instruction), their deafness to spiritual things, their great eagerness for the things that perish, besides the influence of heathenism... are all difficulties to be dealt with. Our efforts during the past year have been chiefly directed against the "Tapu"... and a curious sort of heresy brought here about a year ago by some Maoris. They profess to retain their belief in Christ, but declare themselves to be double spirited, and, through their power to hold intercourse with spirits, they are able to cure diseases by frightening away the evil ones which, according to common Native belief, are supposed to devour the sick internally. These poor people show a great ability to unite with heathenism.

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The "tapu" has lost ground considerably. The burning of our house led to this. After the fire, on the return of our party from the Coast, we took refuge in a very small, dilapidated house built some time ago by our great Chief, who is also a "Tohunga" (Priest). As the tohunga had slept and eaten in this dwelling, it was considered very "tapu."

Many of our people were afraid to come near us. The supposed danger consisted in eating anything that had been in the house, or in eating or drinking from any vessel that had been under its sacred roof. No doubt, had any of our people been taken ill and died, the belief would have been that they were "makutu" (bewitched), that is, that the god of their great Chief had entered the sick person and devoured him for violating his "tapu." No sickness nor death, however, having taken place, the "tapu" has now passed from the house; and so, with it, much of the fear of our people.

The errors of the "Wairuarua" (the double-spirited people above named) have been exposed. Their great power of healing, which at first was wondered at by many, is now generally allowed to be a delusion.

In judging of Missionary work we must not, however, confine our views to the direct good which, through God's blessing, we may see effected. We must take into account the amount of evil prevented. This is important; and, in this way, I conceive our Mission to Taupo has been particularly useful. The dispute that existed between two of our principal Chiefs on my first visit to this place in 1853 (an account of which I have sent Home) has not been mentioned again. These two Chiefs are now good friends. Another dispute, that had been tearing our people in twain, and concerning which there have been many fierce discussions, has now been settled by arbitration in a most satisfactory manner. Mutual jealousies have been acknowledged, and our great Chief, Te Heuheu, has told us that, had we not been here, there would have been fighting ere this. Instead of going to war he has been a messenger of peace. He has been on two peace-making expeditions, and is now going on a third which gives me the opportunity of forwarding this report. The Natives give us

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credit for having prevented them from carrying out their desire of appointing a Native Governor. This subject has been agitated for some time past.

A very important meeting of Maoris from almost every part of the island has been held here, with the intention of carrying this project into execution. It has failed, however, for our great Chief, Te Heuheu, whom they wished to appoint, declared himself to be on the side of the Queen.

The meeting above referred to has been a great obstacle to the progress of our house. We are now patiently waiting to get an assembly of our Maoris in order that we may make arrangements for the furtherance of the Mission amongst them. I wish them to come to some definite understanding as to the amount of assistance it will be indispensable for them to render in order to warrant our remaining here.

The land of Pukawa not being suitable for wheat-growing, we have been presented with a piece of good, arable land at Tokaanu, by the people who killed Manihera and Kereopa.

Notwithstanding the trials of the past year we feel constrained in parting with it to acknowledge that, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."

(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

PUKAWA, TAUPO,
28th July, 1857.

Revd. J. Chapman,
Sec. C.M.S.,
London.

MY DEAR SIR,

I received your favour of July last in May when on my way to the Coast, where it had been lying for three or four months. I now embrace the opportunity of a journey, which I am about to make to the North end of my District, to send this reply to you.

I am thankful the Home Committee see the necessity of Native Ministry. The spiritual and temporal welfare of this Church and people appear to depend upon it. You ask, "What are your prospects of raising a body of faithful men, and what are the means you would propose for bringing them forward for the work?"

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In my annual letter of Deer, last I made some remarks on this subject. I will now make some additional observations; but, before I do so, allow me to say that you are under a somewhat wrong impression as to the simplicity of the Taupo Maoris. Owing to Taupo not being able to furnish any means by which the Maoris can procure clothing, the consequence is that almost all the young and able-bodied men go off to the different towns to work, where they soon lose the simplicity of their Native character, while those who return bring back with them a bad influence. There is not, perhaps, another body of Maoris in any part of the Island, that has so much intercourse with Europeans. On the other hand, the situation of Taupo has an advantage that no other place I know of has. A body of Native Teachers under instruction here would be less subject to the temptations attendant upon the absorbing interest that all Natives round the Coast take in buying and selling and getting gain. Spiritual religion is a rare thing amongst Maoris generally, and still more so is it in Taupo, where the means of instruction have been so limited.

Notwithstanding what I have just said, I am assured that there are men scattered through the country who, if taken by the hand in the right way, with the blessing of God, would be instruments in His hands for the work of the Ministry.

A few such are to be found in Taupo. I have just finished a School for Maori Teachers. During the three weeks that it lasted I found amongst the students three very promising men. I have three others on the Station--these, with one or two others, should be easy to get together had I the means and time to devote to them.

The second part of your question brings me into contact with the difficulties in the way of a Native Ministry.

As a general rule it has been ordered, "That he who preaches the Gospel shall live by the Gospel." This is not the way that Maori Teachers have been taught to look upon their work. In all their weakness and inexperience, they have been sent to preach the Gospel, whilst being involved in all the interests and confusion of their Native Villages. The consequences have been dreadful. Few have stood. Teachers have been put up and down like puppets. As a

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body they have lost respect; many of their own people have a contempt for their office. There is a willingness to contribute to the support of a European Ministry, but a disinclination to assist a Maori. As a preparatory step, therefore, we ought, as far as possible, to remove the difficulty by raising the character of the office of Native Teachers; and this I consider we have the power to do.

If, for instance, each Missionary would select and maintain on his Station one Native Teacher willing to devote himself wholly to the service of the Church, and to look to his Minister as a father for the supply of his wants, it would be easy to give a dignity to the office, and there would be ample opportunity to raise the standard of the man's information, to correct his errors, and make it evident that the connection was beneficial both to the individual himself, and to the Maoris generally. From amongst men so disciplined might we not expect to find some that would be ready to "purchase to themselves a good degree"?

In receiving candidates for holy orders, I think it ought to be distinctly understood that they must be prepared to give up all interest in the pecuniary transactions of the Native Villages.

I have found with my own Maoris that this has an uplifting effect. Those who lacked love for the work would be found to fall off, while those who remained would become attached to us by having one common object with ourselves.

The Mission Station ought to furnish a home for such men. It should not be looked upon by them as a kind of prison where they are to be turned into day-labourers and hirelings.

Labour, I conceive, should form a part of their training, but should it not be labour for the common cause in which they and we are mutually interested? This subject has much to do with the way in which Native Teachers too often shun the Mission Station.

As regards the standard of their education, we ought not, I think, to go one step beyond what Scripture requires. If we can find men who have been well tried as Native Teachers, who are willing to go to any part of the Island, men of piety possessing a good knowledge of God's Word,

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with an aptness to teach and a desire to save souls, I think we should be content, even if they lack other things which we may consider desirable. A few such men I believe there are, and also some others who could take a little higher stand in point of education.

In Decr. 1853 I had an interview with His Lordship that I might see what prospect he could hold out for ordaining my friend, Matiaha, in order that he might assist me in Taupo. I found there was no prospect that would suit either Matiaha or myself, though I proposed to be answerable for his maintenance for at least two years. A certain routine must be gone through, and, at last, there is the greatest uncertainty as to whether I shall now have the benefit of his (Matiaha's) services.

A regular course of education is desirable if it can be had, and I cannot help thinking that the best and surest way to attain it would be for the Bishop, in the first instance, to ordain any fit man presented to him by the different Missionaries, wherever the party presenting would undertake, for a reasonable period, to procure a maintenance.

How far this would interfere with His Lordship's views of presentation, I know not. Altogether I confess that I am greatly discouraged in this matter. The view is dark, but only let us have faith and the Great Shepherd will not fail to provide for His little flock in this land.

I am thankful to say that we are passing a more comfortable winter this year than last. Many of the Maoris have been better disposed and are anxious that I should increase the number of Natives on the Station.

If I can find time I will send you an account of my last journey to the Coast. It would help to illustrate my position and circumstances in this place. It occupied seven weeks and was both interesting and trying.

With very kind regards to Mr. Venn, Major Straith and yourself.

Believe me to remain,
Yours very truly,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

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REPORT OF THE TAUPO DISTRICT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER, 1857.

The circumstances of last year were such as to test the value that our Maoris place upon having a Missionary amongst them.

The destruction of our house and property by fire, the great loss of labour, together with a rather hopeless future to look to, were circumstances well calculated to cause every Maori not animated by higher motives to have forsaken us. Had such been the case the consequences might have been serious, as we could not possibly have retreated to the Coast without considerable assistance.

He who sent the trial has presided over it, and, now that it has passed, I feel sure that it has been attended with good to our work, by bringing to bear more directly upon the Maoris those views of self-support with which we set out.

Though the year has not been marked with anything particularly bright, I cannot look back upon it without feeling that we have made some advance, not in adding numbers to the Church, but in establishing some of those principles which our Lord laid down for the Mission of His Gospel. I am grateful to say that our people have shown a willingness to do everything in their power to help forward the work; however, in our expectations from them, it must be remembered that the Taupo Maoris are the poorest of any in the Country.

After Easter I made a request for bearers to go with me to the Coast to assist us in bringing in some furniture etc. etc., to supply the place of that destroyed by the fire, when 17 volunteered. We had a most trying journey, but, so far as the Maoris were concerned, it was very satisfactory and agreeable.

In June I called together the Native Teachers for instruction, when 12 attended for three weeks. At the close of the classes I laid before them Mr. Chapman's letter of July 1856, and explained to them the substance of his remarks relative to a Native Ministry supported by the Natives. The result of this was that they had a meeting amongst themselves, when, Maori-like, from conviction,

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they proceeded to action, and at once proposed to make collections of food to assist us in calling the Native Teachers together more frequently for instruction. We have since received wheat and potatoes to the value of £7 18s. 0d.

In November I again assembled the Teachers, when 13 attended for 10 days at a real sacrifice to themselves, it being the middle of their season for planting potatoes. On both occasions their conduct has been highly commendable. They returned to their villages greatly pleased and expressing a desire to be called together again for a longer period. The people generally are anxious that the children's boarding School should be renewed. At present I know of nothing to prevent our having good schools for both Teachers and Children, but the need of a little help and funds.

Sixteen Maoris have been maintained on the Station during the year. These, with the exception of two or three, have been with us from the beginning of our work here, and there is, perhaps, not one of them who would not feel it a heavy punishment to be sent home. They consist of three Native Teachers, one young man, two married women (wives of the above), four young women and six children. Besides these, four young men have been with us for five months. These latter we were not able to clothe; they are therefore at present on the Coast working to obtain clothing. The behaviour of the above sixteen has been most satisfactory. The three Native Teachers have rendered me much valuable assistance on my Missionary journeys; also in all the occupations of the Station. They have all had regular instruction and have made considerable advance; of several of them we entertain the hope that a work of grace is going on in their hearts.

One remarkable providence has attended us both here and at Turanga. We have not had a death upon the Station. Old and young have often been dying around us--particularly at Turanga--yet death has not been permitted to come nigh our people. Surely, this is the Lord's doing!

The state of the villages is not encouraging, though there is, I trust, some movement amongst them for the better. In one village a very neat Chapel has been erected, in which I administered the Lord's Supper last July; but

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the people generally are like scattered sheep, their frequent absence at the towns, to seek for work in order to procure clothing, is attended with every kind of evil. In this respect the best Teachers are in a most painful position; if they remain at home they are soon destitute of clothing; if they go to the towns their work as Teachers is ruined. If this state of things could be removed, I should be full of hope.

Our people have been providentially kept from war. There has been fighting on every side of us, and we are closely connected with the parties still at war both at Ahuriri and on the Whanganui River. At the former place one of our Maoris, an important man who was on a visit to his relatives, entered the war and was killed. A little while ago this would have been sufficient to have made all the Taupo Maoris march forward in quest of payment. The people of the individual tribe to which the man belonged prepared for war, and, for some weeks, were determined to go, but at length they listened to good advice, and the payment for the death of their friend they have agreed shall rest upon Rom. xii. 19-21.

Te Heuheu, notwithstanding his many shortcomings, continues a determined peace-maker. In September last he accompanied me to the Whanganui River to endeavour to make peace between the parties fighting there. They received us with a volley from their muskets; several balls passed close to our canoe. After a long delay, I was allowed to land, but Te Heuheu and his party had to wait till the next day before they would permit them to land. We spent three days trying to bring them to terms, but without success; still I feel assured that our friendly offices will be productive of some good.... I mentioned in my last report that we were about to build a permanent house. We prepared timber and got the site excavated last year; but, owing to constant interruptions, I found, at the beginning of January, that there was no prospect of getting even a part of it finished for the winter. In January, therefore, we commenced a small building intended for a kitchen and sleeping rooms for our domestics, also a school-room for girls. This building, which was erected in 9 weeks, was ready for occupation at the beginning of April.

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Though small and inconvenient for a large family, it has proved warm and dry--comforts we have not before enjoyed in Taupo. The Maoris did not give us much assistance, for they did not think it possible with small pieces of pumice-stone to build a house. We are now engaged in the erection of a more suitable house.

We feel much the loneliness of our situation. During the last three years I have had only a few hours' intercourse with civilized men! This, with the constant wear and tear of the Maoris, makes Taupo a very trying position, I could not have anticipated half the labour that we have had in commencing and maintaining our work thus far. I greatly regret that so large a portion of our time is taken up with the secular matters of the Station; also, that lately, I have lost much bodily strength.

During the year I have visited all the outposts twice, having travelled for 14 weeks. I have also made journeys to the nearer villages. The Lord's Supper has been administered three times to 42 communicants; one adult and 34 children have been baptized.

(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

PUKAWA, TAUPO,
24th March, 1858.

MY DEAR MR. VENN,

When I forwarded my report I thought it out of place to send an "annual letter"--being, as I was, under the charge preferred against me by the Governor.

A few days ago I received the enclosed note from Archdeacon Brown, which, with another, equally short, informing me of the charge having been made, is all I know of the matter. I know nothing for certain as to the foundation of the charge, but suppose that the great meeting held here (Novr. 1856) was the cause of it, together with a letter gratuitously sent to the Government by one of my brethren accusing me of having called the said meeting.

Now that the matter has passed it may be well for you to know that I had nothing whatever to do, directly or indirectly, with the calling of the said meeting, and that I was not present at it. The moment I heard that it was intended to discuss the propriety of making a Maori King,

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I refused to be present; but sent them a printed copy of the Treaty of Waitangi in Maori, and used all my influence to crush their project.

At the time I thought we had succeeded, but I have since found that my success was only in part. The King movement is, however, perhaps less popular in Taupo than in some other districts. The object of the Meeting held at Pukawa Novr. 1856 was as follows:--

Some time before we came to Taupo a handsome "Pataka" (viz. a Maori store for food) had been burned. Sir George Grey when on his visit to Taupo saw the said Pataka and told Te Heuheu (no doubt in a jocose way) that it was a sign of his "rangatiratanga." Consequently, when the store-house was burned, Te Heuheu at once built a much larger and finer one, and, having done so, called upon all the tribes far and near to collect food with which to fill the new and handsome "Pataka."

Te Heuheu's subjects responded liberally to his call, and, when the store-house was filled, a great meeting was held for the purpose of eating the food so collected. The Waikato Maoris and other tribes evidently considered it a fine opportunity to discuss their project of making a King. Such was the origin of this great meeting. It is rather singular that, while I have been accused to the Governor as the author of the meeting, and, consequently, I suppose, of promoting the Maori King movement, I am, on the other hand, somewhat notorious amongst the Maoris for opposing their King movement.

I have not been able to discover anything hostile to British rule in the minds of the Maoris who desire a King, but rather that, by having a King, they will be imitating us. They also appear to think that through the medium of a King they may be able to check the present lawless state of things and to promote peace. The idea of anything like a rebellion, so far as I have seen, does not seem to have entered their minds, and they are not able to understand why such a step should give offence to us.

I believe that many of the Chiefs have a sincere desire to promote peace, but alas! While we continue our present policy of urging and tempting them to sell their lands, there is little hope of peace. We are at the bottom

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of all their quarrelling and fighting! The war at Taranaki commenced by a land agent inducing a Chief to cut a boundary line (for the purpose of sale) through land of which he was, at most, a part owner only!

The war at Ahuriri arose out of Te Hapuku selling lands, some of which the Natives disputed his right to. Yet, as a reward for so doing, the Government has given him a pension of £50 per annum. The means we resort to under the most plausible appearances are, I consider, disgraceful to a great Nation! After creating a war we invariably tell them that "it is a matter of their own with which we have nothing to do," and thus leave them to destroy themselves. In this way the injured party has no redress left but the sword.

In this movement for a King one thing is most evident, namely this, that the Maoris feel their absolute need of protection!

The constitution, which has been given to the country, has placed the Maoris in a far worse position than they were, seeing they have no share in any way in the representation.

Here in New Zealand we have about four-fifths of the population, British subjects and lords of the soil, and paying the greatest portion of the revenue, cut off from all share in the representation of the Country, either in person, or by proxy.

Surely this is a strange state of things to exist. If a separate house were formed for Maori representatives, there is little doubt but that, with a few official leaders appointed direct from Home as protectors, the Maori Chiefs would be found quite able to take their full share in the representation.

If we deny to them the right of British subjects, and thereby ourselves break the Treaty of Waitangi, we should not be astonished if they seek protection from themselves!

I remain, my dear Sir,
Very truly yours,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

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

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PUKAWA, TAUPO,
20th Decr. 1858.

The Revd. J. Chapman,
Sec. C.M.S.,
London.

MY DEAR MR. CHAPMAN,

I beg to address to you the annual letter required by the Society and propose, after making some further remarks upon my own Station, to bring under your notice the subject of Schools, after which I may, perhaps, add a few remarks on Native affairs.

I. With respect to Taupo. We find that our station is really a very difficult position to occupy. The great extent of District, the scattered state of the people, the difficulty of getting supplies, together with the complete isolation from everything civilized, begin now to make us feel that we are unequal to the task. Besides which, the effect of constant and unvaried contact with the Maoris upon our family, causes us much anxiety. We have been so completely thrown amongst the Natives, without the convenience of a proper home, that our children have imbibed far too many Maori ideas and ways.

Since our governess left us we have been unable to find another willing to come here; nor are we able at present to send them either to England or Auckland.

Mrs. Grace has her hands so full with the Maoris and her domestic affairs that she can do very little for herself.

Again, I am so much away from home. Consequently, when at the Station so many occupations await me that it is not possible for me to attend to them all--the result being that Mrs. Grace and our children have to suffer.

Our work amongst the Maoris has increased very considerably. We find a much better state of feeling amongst them, with a greater attention to spiritual things. We have had to refuse many who have wished to join our School establishment. The Native Teachers have been far more attentive.

The only unsatisfactory part of the undertaking appears to be ourselves. I never remember feeling so little energy, and so unequal to meet all the requirements of our work.

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Altogether we are encouraged and depressed at the same time.

II. EDUCATION.--I am glad to have the opportunity of bringing this subject more particularly under consideration.

With respect to the want of education in general, I suppose there is little room for remark, all being of one mind; but with respect to the kind of education suited to the condition of these people, and how to communicate it, there appears considerable difference of opinion and of the mode of operation.

As regards our boarding schools, I do not think that we have yet hit upon the kind of education that is suited to the present transition stage of these people. Were the results of our boarding schools gone into, and the history of every boy and girl that has been in them examined, I think we should all see that our system has been a failure. I do not think that this has been due to any lack of desire to learn on the part of the Maoris, nor from any unwillingness on our part to instruct them. The fault appears to be rather in the kind of instruction that we offer, and in our mode of communicating it. We have, more or less, followed the idea of making scholars of the Maoris, rather than in endeavouring to equip them so that they might be of service in the Kaingas (villages) and there promote the common acts of civilized life.

To teach reading, writing and arithmetic, while putting upon them a great amount of labour in the direction of fencing and planting food, etc., is not a sufficient inducement for a young man to give up the freedom of his village--and not without some reason.

At home he gets food whether he works or not, goes where he pleases, is his own master, and, as for reading, writing and arithmetic, he finds in the villages a nation of such scholars, who have acquired their knowledge without suffering the restraints of our Schools. A young woman who has spent 4 or 5 years at one of our establishments returns to her kainga with a fair knowledge of reading, writing and arithmetic and knows something of drawing, geography, singing, fine needle-work, knitting, netting, and crochet; but she finds there many who are able to

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read, write and figure as well as she, and, as for the fine accomplishments, they go for nothing, while, in the matter of preparing and cooking food, and in making a Maori home and village in some degree comfortable and acceptable, she is rendered unfit by the very process that we have adopted. Owing to a want of European utensils and conveniences, she is not able to follow out an English mode of living, even if desirous of so doing. Soap, an article that is absolutely indispensable in a Maori kainga, is a thing very rarely seen there.

Many such girls on returning to their friends, for want of such things as they have been accustomed to, sink down to the opposite extreme of filth and helplessness. Much the same might be said of the young men.

Besides all this, those we have been able to persuade to enter our schools are so few in numbers (in spite of the fact that we educate and clothe them for nothing) as to make it plain that, for some cause or other, our Schools are not altogether appreciated by the Maoris. A thorough examination of the whole system is, I think, urgently required.

There appear to be various reasons for this want of appreciation, namely, keeping the young men and women for an indefinite time, our unwillingness to part with them after two or three years' residence, also that we often interfere with the marriage arrangements made by their relatives. But the grand cause is, I believe, to be found in the fact that we do not teach the exact thing that the Maoris require. We need industrial Schools. It is beginning at the wrong end to teach these practical people occupations in which they feel they are as skilful as we--namely, the planting of food, etc. They need to be schooled in various industries, so that they may meet their growing wants. To be able to mend a shoe would be, at this moment, a most valuable accomplishment with the Maoris. It would not have been so formerly, but now those who use shoes need to be able to mend them. The same might be said of blacksmiths' work, plain carpentry, sawing timber, and sheep farming, etc., all of which arts the Maoris are to-day able to appreciate, and a knowledge of which many of them are most anxious to acquire. At this moment I

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have a case before my eyes. A European sawyer came here last week to seek for work. I asked him if he would teach Maoris--he agreed, and at once two of my young men desirous of learning are at this moment sawing opposite to me while I am writing this from the side of the saw-pit.

You are aware, I think, that we have proposed to introduce weaving. The Maoris have collected £220 for sheep which they have now gone to purchase; many have gone off to the towns to work in order to raise money with which to buy more. If I am not able to do something in the way of teaching them to weave, I shall be in difficulties.

It is probable that, if we included weaving in our schedule of work, many more young people would desire to enter our establishment. The reason of all this enthusiasm is--the Maoris now wear our clothing, and, having to pay extravagant prices for it, they feel the necessity of being able to supply themselves. The introduction of the plough had a similar effect. Once the plough was seen at work in the hands of a Maori, every Maori wanted to plough. From all this it is easy, I think, to see what are the industries that should be introduced into our schools.

Having secured for them a sound scriptural education, our next step should be to teach them "to learn and labour truly to get their own living, and to do their duty in that (new) state unto which it has now pleased God to call them."

In educating a boy here, ought we not to combine the instruction that a lad at Home receives at school and during his apprenticeship? I am well aware that the Society formerly sent out men to teach all that I have above named, and that the result was a failure. But the failure was due to the fact that, then, the scheme was premature. Now it is otherwise--conditions have altered; the soil is ready.

Since it appears that Committees here have almost ceased, I greatly wish that we could have occasional meetings at which to discuss such subjects as the above. With the blessing of God it would, I think, be productive of much good both to ourselves and to our work.

I remain,
Very truly yours,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

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ANNUAL LETTER.

Oreti, Taupo,
31st Decr. 1859,

The Revd. J. Chapman,
Sec. C.M.S.,
London.

MY DEAR MR. CHAPMAN,

It is now a very long time since we have received any communication from the Society--a circumstance which we feel more in this solitary place than we would do elsewhere. We have now been here nearly five years and have only seen the Bishop and one or two Europeans, who have been passing through the country. The Taupo Station appears to us to stand in the position of an illegitimate child to the Parent Society. We think it has been treated very differently from every other Station. Where the most was required, the least has been granted! On account of the extra difficulties of its position many, who have known nothing of Taupo, have been quick to conclude that it should not be occupied, and so, under these circumstances, it has been left to itself. Still, there is this comfort, "If God be for us who can be against us?" Notwithstanding all the trials we have passed through, we cannot look back without feeling thankful to our Heavenly Father for His many mercies. In our work He has given us, perhaps, more than our share of encouragement.

I have never before met with Maoris so willing to be taught, and, on the whole, so kind.

The past year has been one of advance, though it has not been free from many difficulties. We continue to have great trouble in getting in our supplies. In August I went to the Coast with a party of Maoris to find that the vessel that had our stores on board had been seen off Matata, but, owing to bad weather, was unable to enter the river, and so was obliged to return without landing anything--consequently, we had to return to Taupo without the goods we sorely needed.

It was not possible for me to go again, but, last month, from necessity as well as a desire for some change, Mrs. Grace took six of our people, and procured a number of

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women from the Maori villages, and went with them as far as Tarawera. They succeeded in bringing in all the goods excepting an English case of shoes and two bags of sugar, which are missing without much hope of being recovered. The loss of the former is putting us to great inconvenience. It appears impossible for us to procure our supplies without these uncertainties and losses. Mrs. Grace and her baby suffered greatly from the heat during this journey.

On the other hand, there has been much to encourage. The building of chapels that is at present going on is an indication for good. In too many places dilapidated chapels met the eye.

The boarding school which I named in my last report, and that is supported by the Maoris themselves, is an interesting matter, but, being a new venture, it is not wise to judge of it too hastily.

Its working is altogether different to anything of the kind I have witnessed in this country. The rule has generally been that parents, in sending their children to our boarding schools, where they have been fed, clothed and educated without any expense to their friends, have nevertheless considered that they were doing us a favour, and have sometimes expected payment. In the present case all is different. The parents feel it a privilege to send their children, and have shown a great desire that their children should get on with their books; in short, they look upon the school as theirs rather than ours. The breaking up last week was a real trial both to the parents and the children.

A considerable quantity of food has been planted for the School, and, when the children re-assemble, we expect to see an increase in their numbers. We begin to feel the want of better buildings, for, some of the raupo houses we put up in 1855 have been blown away, while those remaining are in a bad condition. I have asked the friends and parents of the children to come and put up a wash-house and store-room, which I think they will do. The Maoris are most anxious to see their children learning to weave, and are quite willing to pay a salary of £100 a year for a Teacher for this purpose. This sum will be easily

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raised from the wool of their sheep. I am in communication with a weaver, but am not yet sure that he is a suitable person. My greatest difficulty is to procure the necessaries for spinning and dressing of wool. A spinning jenny, and some simple machine for dressing wool, are what we now want; later we propose to weave by hand. It would be the greatest boon to these people to be able to weave coarse, heavy garments for themselves. The introduction of European clothing has caused them to give up making Native garments ere they have the means of procuring ours. Up in these mountains the wind is piercingly cold for many months of the year, and, if you beheld the poor old men and women, with scarcely a rag to their backs, and young children running about almost naked, you would not wonder that these Maoris are so desirous of being taught the weaving of wool.

The introduction of sheep has at last come in real earnest and, with the blessing of God, will be productive of many and great changes for the better in their social condition.

One benefit is already apparent--the rooting out of the old jealousies which had for so long existed amongst these tribes. In order to purchase sheep they have formed themselves into a sort of company, so that now they cherish a common interest---a state of things hitherto unknown to them.

I am exceedingly anxious about the Native Teachers. This class of men ought now to be attended to almost before any other.

I have had communication with Bishop Williams respecting Matiaha, and most heartily wish him every success in the ordination of Maoris. The only drawback is the ground that has been lost by not doing this work before. Maori Teachers should be advanced without delay, in order that there may be an adequate supply of men for ordination, and, secondly, that they (the Native Teachers) may not prove a hindrance to Maori Deacons, with whom they will necessarily have much to do.

At the present these men are far too much involved in all the business and confusion of their Native villages.

Hoping that our common work is progressing in all

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parts of the world, and that our great Captain is raising up fit and sufficient means for its furtherance.

I remain, my dear Sir,
Yours most truly,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

Statistics.

Maori Protestant Christians--These, so far as I have been able to judge, number about...800

Of these about 600 are baptized .. .. .. 600

Adults baptized this year .. .. .. .. .. 18

Communicants .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 114

Infants baptized .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 28

Native Teachers (of these 5 are preachers, the rest Catechists)......22

Native School Master .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1

" " Mistress .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 1

Children in Boarding School .. .. .. .. .. 31

Adults and young people belonging to the industrial department.......20

P.S.--In order to save time I forward this direct, as I learn that Mr. Burrows is on a journey with Bishop Williams.
(Sd.) T. S. G.

REPORT ON THE TAUPO STATION FOR THE YEAR 1859.

The past year has been one of mingled trial and advancement and, in looking back upon it, there is much to fill us with thankfulness and hope.

Attendance at the Sunday service on the Station has improved. Weather permitting, many have come in their canoes from other villages on Saturday evenings, and have stayed with us until Monday morning. At different villages new chapels have been built. On my visits I have found the Maoris very attentive and anxious for instruction. Native Teachers, who have to work for food and clothing for themselves and families, cannot now

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devote the same time to teaching as formerly, so that it is not astonishing if the people learn slowly.

NATIVE TEACHERS.--The Native Teachers of Taupo have not had the advantages which those at most of our other Stations have enjoyed. For many years they were left to themselves, and, since we have been here, we have been unable to give them the same amount of instruction that we were accustomed to give to the Maori Teachers at Turanga. Here we find many difficulties in the way of assembling them for instruction, besides which they have to be maintained whilst here, where food is not only more difficult to procure but more expensive than on the Coast.

In September sixteen of them assembled and remained a fortnight, when I was greatly pleased with their attention and the progress they made. My old friend, Matiaha, who accompanied me here from the East Coast, and has shared all our trials and adventures during the establishment of the Taupo Station, is about to return in order to study under Bishop Williams with a view to Deacon's orders.

I shall feel his loss very keenly, but it is plainly my duty to send him.

SCHOOLS.--Our industrial School continues in much the same state that it was during last year. These students we feed and clothe, and by them the various works of the Station are carried on.

We have opened a Maori Boarding School which is supported by the Maoris themselves. In September I engaged a tutor for my own boys, when I suggested to the Natives that, if they would carry out my former proposals, namely, send their children to School and provide them with food and clothing, I would devote half of this young man's time to their children. To this plan they consented, and, in October, 31 children were brought with an adequate supply of food. This school has gone on most satisfactorily, the parents and Teachers having taken the greatest interest in it.

This is as it ought to be. The burden is placed on the right persons. We have just broken up for the Christmas holidays, which has been a matter of necessity--the old food is all spent and the new crops do not come in here for some time yet. This means that we cannot re-open before

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the middle of February next. I have never before seen children reluctant to have holidays--but many of these cried sadly at having to return home.

Sunday evening school for the repetition of the Gospel, Epistle and Collect of the day, which they have committed to memory, still continues. The interest taken in these classes has in no way abated. Christmas Day I spent at Motutere when, after the services of the day, more than 50 stood up in the evening to repeat their lessons. By far the most of these had learnt the whole three lessons, while many of them said all without a single mistake! The questioning that took place afterwards proved that due attention had been given to the meaning of all that they had learned.

These Sunday evening classes are quite voluntary. We began with our own young men only, but now they are quite general in the Taupo villages.

Considerable advance has been made in temporal things. In January last the Maoris collected £187 for purchasing sheep, which sum I sent to our friend, the Revd. S. Williams of the Ahuriri, who very kindly purchased a flock of 170 for them. Since then they have obtained £136 more, and are now on their way to buy another flock. I am not without hope that the Taupo Natives may become sheep-farmers--for which occupation I think they are very well suited. If it only keeps them from visiting the towns so frequently, it cannot fail to be a blessing. At present, it is in Taupo with sheep, what it was in Turanga in 1851 and 1852 in respect to ploughs. Our Maoris are most anxious to learn to weave, and I earnestly trust that, in due time, we shall be able to grant their wish.

(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

ORETI, TAUPO,
31st Decr. 1859.

To The Revd. J. Chapman,
Secy. C.M.S.,
London.

ORETI, TAUPO,
28th May, 1860.

MY DEAR SIR,
Mr. Burrows having at length paid us a visit, I feel it desirable to make a few remarks upon his suggestions.

First. With respect to our remaining in Taupo,

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The real difficulties of occupying this Station are at last apparent to all who are interested in the matter, and much has been said on the subject of our leaving it--a step that I have felt it my duty to decline to take. I have since seen Mr. Burrows and have had a letter from Bishop Williams, an extract from which I beg to send you, as it embodies their united remarks respecting Taupo. It is as follows:--

"Mr. Burrows will no doubt have paid you a visit on his return from this place, and will have told you what I should have communicated, if I had met you at Whakatane. There does not appear to be any difficulty on the part of Archn. Brown or Mr. Chapman in the way of your having a branch Station, either at Whakatane or Matata. Neither, if you wish it, would there be any objection to your making either of those places your principal Station and Taupo the branch Station. Anything which may diminish the immense difficulties you now have in the conveyance of heavy stores to Taupo will, I think, receive the sanction of the Committee."

I feel thankful for the latitude allowed me by the above statement. Had it been granted at the outset one-half of our difficulties would have been removed and our work here rendered more effective. As it is, I feel very thankful, and will make the best use that I can of the liberty extended to me. I hope this relief may not have come too late.

After seeing Mr. Burrows I visited Auckland, and have commenced to act on the permission so far as a branch Station at Matata is concerned. Notwithstanding the benefits that would accrue to my family from the establishment of a permanent Station on the Coast, I cannot feel that it would be right to leave Taupo. The people are the poorest in the Country, and, so far as helping me to bring in supplies is concerned, also in their efforts to assist me with the School, they are not behind the more favoured districts. While they continue to help forward the work at Taupo, my duty is plain.

The great mistake that our Committees have made has been in making no allowance for the natural difficulties of occupying Taupo.

Secondly. When Mr. Burrows was here he told me that

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he should recommend that the sum of £300 be allowed for the Mission house now in course of erection. This has been altogether unsought by me, and it re-opens the subject of funds necessary for Taupo--a matter with which I had not intended to trouble you again, but upon which, owing to the above recommendation, I feel it right to say a few words here.

1. I take this, as well as the permission to have a branch Station at Matata, as proofs that my earnest requests for these things in 1854 were correct; also that, had they been granted at the time, the whole course of my proceedings would have been altered, and my family saved the misery of being so long in this cold and trying region without a suitable habitation--circumstances that have tended to retard the work. To the natural obstacles of Taupo, unnecessary difficulties have been added, and we have felt them keenly.

2. After all these years, Mr. Burrows has paid us a visit and finds that it is not unreasonable that £300 should be allowed for a house. I cannot but think that, if so much depends upon the visit of a Secretary, such a visit should have been made long since, and my young family saved most of the privations through which it has passed.

With regard to Mr. Burrows' recommendation--I am not at all anxious, and have had little to say upon the subject; nor is the proposition altogether satisfactory, simply because £300 now is not what it would have been in 1854. Our sixth year at Taupo will be concluded before our permanent house is finished, during which time I have borne all the cost:--

First. The fitting up and enlarging of the temporary house put up by the Maoris on our arrival, and that was subsequently destroyed by fire.

Secondly. In fitting up an old Maori house in which we took refuge for twelve months after the fire. Thirdly. In building the cottage we now occupy. Consequently, if there is to be an equitable settlement of the matter, some account ought to be taken of these six years.

The simplest way would now be either to allow no house at all for Taupo, but, in place of one, to allow, say, £30 per annum for rent dating back from the first, or, if

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preferred, to allow rent for the time past and the £300 for the house now in course of erection, which, owing to our large family, is rather commodious and cannot be built for £300.

3. I now wish to make a few remarks upon our work here, but more especially with regard to the children's School mentioned in my last Report. The prospect of this School is encouraging. At Christmas we were obliged to give a rather long vacation, but in March they re-assembled and now the Roll number is 41 with a likelihood of a considerable increase.

This being so I am obliged to employ Mr. Law, almost entirely, in teaching this Native School, and have engaged a governess to instruct my own children in place of Mr. Law.

These matters entail expense heavier than I can continue to bear. Mr. Law has proved himself a very suitable person for the teaching of Maori children. They are very fond of him, and he of them---a state of things that is essential to the successful management of Maoris. His salary is £100 per an. and I wish to know if you can allow me £50 per an. towards it. The School is in a very promising condition, but, if I part with Mr. Law, its prospects will not be so bright, for, being myself so much away, when at home the many duties that await me make it quite impossible for me to take the entire charge of the School. I trust you will be able to make this grant to the School. I would very gladly continue to bear the whole expense if I could. Though the Maoris have supplied nearly all the food and clothing, still, there are many incidental expenses besides the Teacher which fall upon me. All books, utensils for cooking, spades, tools, slates, etc., in addition to the building and repairs, I have supplied, and now, for the contemplated new building, I am expected to provide nails, ironmongery, tools, glass, paint, etc.

These things, together with the expense of Maori Teachers, travelling expenses, and all other extra charges connected with living in this isolated place, are as great as I am able to meet. For our work's sake I hope that you will take Taupo into your consideration.

4. THE WAR.--I conclude that you are in possession of later news from the seat of war than I am? There-

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fore I will confine myself to what I have found to be the feelings of the Maoris.

On my journey to and from Auckland, when I came in contact with both friendly and hostile Maoris, I found one opinion only, namely, that the war had begun hastily without the counsel of the Bishop or Missionaries having been sought. It is doubtful if confidence will be again restored. The great warlike preparations which the Europeans have made are producing their effects upon both the neutral and friendly Maoris. Many lessons respecting our policy are being taught them which they will not soon forget.

They find that, when they quarrel and fight and kill one another over the sale of lands, they are allowed to do so to their hearts' content, and have been officially told that the Government has nothing to do with these matters--in short, that they are not amenable to British Law; but, so soon as a quarrel between themselves and the Europeans on the same subject occurs, they are immediately said to be British subjects and are denounced as rebels. This sort of dealing is not at all likely to commend itself to the Maoris.

The real cause of the war is, without doubt, the constant coercion that the Natives have been subjected to in order to induce them to part with their lands. The Government professes not to buy lands, the ownership of which is in dispute, yet, nearly all the wars and quarrels that of late years have taken place, have been on this very subject. Nothing, I believe, has so much impeded the Gospel and civilization as land selling and its consequences. A want of confidence is general, and, without confidence, nothing can be done with Natives. It has given me great pleasure to hear that a proposal has been sent home to appoint an independent council for Native affairs. If this can be done and a high official, say, a Lieutenant-Governor, appointed at its head, I believe great good would result. A head to such a council would be necessary that the Maoris might have some one to refer to. If such a Lieutenant were a kind man, willing to live for the most part amongst the Maoris, and had his headquarters at some central place, I am assured that, with God's blessing, he would carry with

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him the whole body of the Maoris. The great want the Natives feel at this moment is some one in whom they can place confidence; some one to guide them in their efforts to gain the benefits of civilization and law. At present I am thankful to say that the Taupo tribes are quiet. During my late absence in Auckland there was much excitement here, from the effects of which Mrs. Grace is still suffering. They let her have very little rest. It was, however, satisfactory for her to receive deputations from the different tribes begging that we would not think of leaving them, and telling her that, whatever might happen, no harm would be allowed to overtake us.

Since my return home I have endeavoured to turn their attention away from the war, and have this day had an important meeting respecting their flocks of sheep which, by giving them something to do is, I am glad to say, likely to have the desired effect.

Hoping that you will pardon this long letter, and that our Heavenly Father may send us such assistance as we require for our work in Taupo.

I remain, my dear Sir,
Yours very truly,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

Oreti, Taupo,
New Zealand,
23rd Octr. 1860.

To The Revd. H.Venn &
Major H. Straith,
Secretaries C.M.S., London.

MY DEAR SIRS,

We are in receipt of your kind letter expressing the sympathy of the Committee with us relative to our loss by the fire, for which we beg to return our best thanks. We have, indeed, found it a serious thing to suffer the loss of all our worldly goods in a place like this, where it is so difficult to replace the smallest thing.

It has caused us many, many trials and privations which, in all probability, we should have escaped had we been domiciled in a permanent house. It was the thatch that ignited by means which would not have fired shingles;

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still, while we cannot look back upon the calamity itself without pain, so many mercies have accompanied it, that I trust we may ever remember the loving kindness of our Heavenly Father.

For some time back we have felt as though you had forsaken us, which impression, together with the constant wear and tear of the Maoris and our solitary situation, has often depressed us.

2. At present our buildings are progressing satisfactorily. Two months ago I providentially met with a good carpenter, and, having in addition two Maori carpenters, if nothing unforeseen happens, our house should be finished by the end of the summer.

The discomforts we have suffered since being here have been detrimental both to our work and to ourselves. When the present house is finished I shall have expended about twice the amount allowed, if fences, Native nouses, and the large School house are included. Very many things besides a house have to be provided when anything like an industrial School is wanted.

Were it possible I should be glad if the whole of what has been done could be transferred to the diocese of Bishop Williams. A small house on the other side of the Lake, which is in his diocese, is desirable under any circumstances, but Oreti, for many reasons, must be the permanent Station. I now leave this matter and shall be quite satisfied if things remain as your letter leaves them, and, equally so if, in reply to my last letter, you make any alteration. I feel sure that we all have one aim as regards funds, namely, to do the great work of our Society with the greatest economy.

3. THE WAR.--I will give you what information I can upon this subject, and the way in which the Taupo tribes regard it. You will no doubt have seen from the papers and other sources how this war has been rushed into on the most questionable grounds? That W. King has the jurisdiction of a Chief over the land in dispute appears evident, even though he should not claim the actual ownership of any part of it.

My own Station here is a case in point. In 1853 Te Heuheu gave the land for this Station, although he does not

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own an inch of land in Pukawa. The other parties who signed the document are his friends, but neither do they own any land here! The fact is that Te Heuheu claims a right over the land of Taupo, and there cannot be a doubt but that, in the event of any land in Taupo being sold without his consent, war would be the consequence!

Had the Treaty of Waitangi been fully and faithfully carried out, the war would not have occurred; instead, it has been ignored until now that it is useful to make rebels of the Natives. When that Treaty was signed it was done on the ground that the Chiefs had the power to subject their people to it even without consulting them! For instance, Te Heuheu and Te Poihipi signed that Treaty for the whole of Taupo. What right then have we now to deny the authority of any real Chief? I am convinced that the Maoris had no desire for war. W. King seems to have used every means that would appear intelligent to a Maori to prevent the sale and subsequent measurement of the land, and, if he erred, he was actionable, but not a rebel! The unreasonable haste with which we began the war is greatly against us in the opinion of the Maoris.

For the last five or six years the policy of the Government has been to get the land, while, on the other hand, the Natives, as a whole, never entertained an idea of parting with it. For a long time now they (the Maoris) have had no rest on this subject.

Nothing could have been more unfortunate than the line of policy which has been followed since Sir George Grey left. No one could have been more popular with the Maoris than Sir George.

You will see from the papers the abuse the Missionaries receive if friendly to the Maoris, yet, were Missionary influence at this time removed, I believe in a very short time the war would be general.

As regards Taupo, I may say that the position of the Maoris is an armed neutrality. Until now the Gospel has held them back. They say that they will not fight until they have a just cause. Since the commencement of the war the King movement has gained ground with them. Their cry is "We must do something to save our Island!" Judging from the eagerness with which we

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try to purchase their lands, from the great number of new comers, and also from the hasty way in which we went into the war, their conviction is that we want their whole Island. I do trust wise and humane measures may be adopted at Home and that they will be enforced here. Our duty, which is to do our utmost to keep these Maoris out of the war, is indeed an anxious one. So far we have to thank God and take courage. Our sheep company has done much to preoccupy their minds. They have raised upwards of £500 in the last two years for sheep. The parents of most of the 50 children attending our School are important people, and, as they often visit the Station in order to bring food for their children, we have had many valuable opportunities of pointing out to them the blessings of peace.

My wish is that the Taupo Maoris should use their influence as peace-makers. They might do great good in this way. The Native Teachers have shown more consistency than I could have expected. We hold a weekly prayer meeting to pray God to send amongst us all the spirit of peace.

Believe me to remain,
Very truly yours,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

P.S.--I will write to you again that you may know how our Taupo Maoris go on with regard to the War.
(Sd.) T. S. G.

ORETI, TAUPO,
31st Decr., i860.
The Revd. J. Chapman,
Sec. C.M.S.,
London.

MY DEAR MR. CHAPMAN,

Having written twice during the last few months, I have little now to add that will not be, in part at least, a repetition.

We are very anxious about the School. The parents have done their utmost and have done it willingly; but, unless I can continue to meet all the incidental expenses,

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together with the European's salary, it is hoping against hope to suppose that it can stand. I have written to the Board of Education to try and procure a grant, but, as the money is all preoccupied, I have but little chance of success.

The health of our family has of late been far from what it used to be. The climate of these mountains is exceedingly trying, whilst the constant wear and tear of the Natives is great. I am now waiting an opportunity to remove Mrs. Grace in the hope of recruiting her health. Our children have lost their former robust and healthy appearance.

In our intercourse with the people we have received much kindness, and, were it not for the strong jealousies that exist amongst them, we should have great cause for satisfaction.

On the other hand, there are those who oppose us and strive to annoy us.

The War has greatly disturbed us, but we have cause to be thankful in that our Maoris have not yet joined in it. The Gospel has evidently had a restraining influence, whilst the tending of their sheep (which now number about one thousand and provide food for their children at School) has also done much in keeping the attention of the leading men away from the war. They most earnestly beg us to remain amongst them, and our great Chief, Te Heuheu, has again and again assured us that, whatever might be the issue of the present struggle, no one shall hurt us. On the subject of the War they have, at different meetings, made many sensible remarks.

It is clear that the Maoris do not want to fight, but it is equally plain that they wish to keep their lands.

Our constant endeavour to purchase lands is the real cause of both the King movement and of the war. The amount of blundering in the Native Department of the Colonial Government is really surprising. Should peace be obtained to-morrow, but the pressure to obtain their lands be allowed to continue, there cannot be a doubt, I think, but that the war will break out again and be more general. There is little ground for thinking that this is to be the last struggle of the Maoris.

Te Heuheu told me only the other day that if Sir George

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Grey were here they would all listen to him. I quite believe they would do so, and would not this be a more honourable, Christian and economical way of settling the strife, than to go on with this exterminating war from which, after all, British valour has nothing to gain?

In a former letter I expressed the hope that I had of establishing a branch Station at Matata, but unexpected obstacles have since arisen, so that, for the present, I must abandon the idea.

Trusting that the blessing of God may rest upon the work of our Society.

I remain, my dear Sir,
Very truly yours,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

REPORT OF THE TAUPO DISTRICT FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER, 1860.

In looking back upon the year now closing it presents the aspect of a troubled sea on which may be seen a frail, tempest-tossed barque. The year is ended, but still the sea is troubled, still the little barque struggles on, and still the issue is in doubt.

We have found it difficult to hold Taupo in times of peace, but war now makes it much more so. There is, however, sufficient cause to be thankful, and our duty is to persevere. The Taupo Maoris have not yet joined in the war and I have good hope that they will not do so. With respect to the war they have one opinion only, the substance of which is, that it was begun by us in a very hasty and unjustifiable manner. Our measures have greatly disturbed the confidence that was formerly placed in our Government by the Maoris.

During the year the ordinary work of the Station has gone on much as usual, which, considering the unsettled state of the Native mind, is quite as much as could be expected.

The Native Teachers for the most part have been satisfactory as regards their work. In September we had thirteen of them at the Station for a fortnight for instruction,

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when some of them showed considerable improvement. I am not able to say so much for the Maori villages. The excitement caused by the war has tended to lessen attention to spiritual things. Our School has been more encouraging. It was dismissed last Christmas owing to a scarcity of food, but the children assembled again in March, and, for the last eight months, the average attendance has been 46. Parents and friends have done their best, and have supplied the children with food and clothing, which, in addition to the help that we have been able to give, has resulted in the children being well fed; but, as it is almost impossible for parents and guardians to procure clothing in this isolated place, the children are very poorly clad. In this respect our education establishment at the present time might be truly termed a "ragged school!" However, in spite of faulty clothing, fair advancement has been made.

The past year has been one of an unusual amount of sickness. Influenza and fever have been general for the greater part of it. Not only were the children stricken--we were all prostrated alike, and have to thank God for His goodness in restoring us all to health.

In viewing the District as a whole the following are the features that stand out prominently:--

The jealousy of the tribes one towards another. The increased industry. The improvement in Native Teachers. The restraining influence of the Gospel. A general need of deeper spirituality.

(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

ORETI, TAUPO,
31st Decr., 1860.

ORETI, TAUPO,
24th January, 1861.

Major H. Straith,
Sec. C.M.S.,
London.

MY DEAR SIR,

Your very kind letter of the 24th October has come to hand. I beg to thank both the Committee and yourself for the consideration shown to us; but more

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particularly am I thankful for our work's sake, for I now hope with the blessing of God to be enabled to extend our sphere of usefulness. Inasmuch as we have been called to sow in tears, may we not now hope to reap with joy? May God of His abundant mercy grant to us this blessing.

I feel indeed happy in not again having to seek pecuniary aid, yet, more than ever do we require assistance! Both from the physical and mental point of view Taupo is a difficult place to occupy. The assistance we now desire is that you will make this station a subject for special prayer that our Heavenly Father may pour out His Holy Spirit on the poor Taupo Maoris and their missionary, to the end that a full harvest of precious souls may be gathered in. We greatly need more divine love and influence amongst us.

The Taupo Natives still remain quiet.

I beg to enclose a speech made by a Maori at the Ahuriri, which, on the whole, is a true statement of their side of the question.

Notwithstanding the present unhappy state of affairs, God is able to bring good out of it.

With kind regards to Mr. Venn and yourself.

Believe me to remain, dear Major Straith,
Very truly yours,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

ORETI, TAUPO,
16th Feb., 1861.

Major H. Straith,
Sec. C.M.S.,
London.

MY DEAR SIR,

Since writing to you a fortnight ago I have drawn £300 for Mission buildings, having, prior to this, expended my own funds in the preparation of everything required to advance our house to its present stage. As I am now happily removed from pecuniary pressure, I have great pleasure in paying off an old debt that I owe to the Society.

You will remember that I formerly transmitted to you £50, being part of the £150 that I had from the Society. I now beg to forward to you the balance, namely, £100.

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You might rightly claim interest; but, as my own funds, ever since I have been here have, I may say, been invested in our work, I trust that in this way the Society has not been without the best kind of interest.

I regret that so long a period should have elapsed in the closing of this matter; but, when you consider the heavy loss, about £300, that we sustained by fire shortly after our arrival here, together with the continual demands made by a new Station, you will see, I doubt not, that, had I paid this sum earlier, our work must have been more crippled and retarded than it has been.

With many thanks for all your kindness and with Christian regards to Mr. Venn and yourself.

I remain, my dear Major Straith,
Yours very truly,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

ORETI, TAUPO,
NEW ZEALAND,
24th April, 1861.

Major Hector Straith,
Sec. C.M.S.,
London.

MY DEAR MAJOR STRAITH,

The mail has this day arrived and brings us news that peace is likely to be made. It has come most providentially; for the Maoris, who have hitherto remained quiet, have been preparing in good earnest for the war. Last week the Taupo Natives and representatives from other tribes held a large meeting, when, with the exception of the Native Teachers, they all agreed to join the war, and are at this moment at the disposal of the King party. They have harboured the idea that the Governor intended to take their lands. This has had its origin in the large number of troops they have seen coming into the country. This impression has been fully shared in by Natives who acknowledge the Queen. You will understand from this how very near we have been to a general war.

As soon as the proposals for peace arrived, I sent for Te Heuheu and another important Chief to acquaint them

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with the news, and am glad to say that they both appeared satisfied with the terms.

The minds of the Taupo Maoris have been very much disturbed of late. They had no desire to enter the war, but now they think it their duty to do so in order "to save their Island."

Should peace now be made it is not difficult to foresee that it will not be lasting unless their lands are allowed to rest; still, I thank God for the prospect of peace and greatly rejoice at the way in which the Society at Home has advocated the cause of the Maoris.

Nothing could be more detrimental to our work than the present state of affairs. Our school and congregations have suffered much in consequence.

Winter is again upon us and our supplies are consumed. In the present state of the Native mind there is a very poor prospect of procuring Maoris to go to the Coast. Moreover, Mrs. Grace is in a very indifferent state of health.

Praying that our Heavenly Father may see good to send us brighter and happier days.

I remain, my dear Sir,
Very truly yours,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

ORETI, TAUPO,
NEW ZEALAND,
28th Octr. 1861.

Major Hector Straith,
Sec. C.M.S.,
London.

MY DEAR SIR,

I have received your favour of the 13th July last and am exceedingly sorry to hear of the continued depression of the Society's funds; but I cannot help feeling that He who has always provided will do so still. If necessity should be laid upon us to retreat, let us be prepared to make the move cheerfully and in good order; for, when Jesus, our great Captain, sees it best, without doubt we shall advance again.

Your letter has anticipated one from me seeking further

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assistance rather than retrenchment. You are aware of the difficulties we experience in getting in our supplies. This winter, owing to the very unsettled state of the Maoris, we have had no help.

Mrs. Grace's health was so very indifferent that, at the end of May last, I felt it my duty to take her to Auckland for change and medical assistance. We travelled overland by Waikato upwards of 200 miles and, after staying four weeks in Auckland, returned by vessel to the Bay of Plenty with our supplies for a year. According to arrangement some of our Taupo Maoris should have met us at Matata, but they did not do so and the consequence was that five of us, four Maoris (one a woman) and myself, had each to carry three loads, which we did in stages by going six times over the ground. This occupied us a whole month. Mrs. Grace in her delicate state of health had to walk nearly all the way! We had no alternative; for our children were at the Station suffering many privations both of clothing and food, and we could not come home to an empty house.

I want, if possible, to save this loss of time and fatigue, and I think it would be best to offer our Christian Maoris the sum of £25 annually for the bringing in of our supplies from the Coast. This of course is not an adequate payment for the labour of such a journey; but, as they clearly understand that they ought to do this work for the Gospel's sake, I believe they would accept it as an encouragement and do the work with more certainty, and thus allow me to save my strength for the more important duties awaiting me. As it is it has always cost me a considerable sum to clothe my own Maoris, who invariably have to go. They always start out comfortably clothed, but return in rags! In addition to this there are many incidental expenses.

In many respects we have reason to be grateful. The Taupo Natives, though greatly unsettled, have kept out of the war and have done a great deal to prevent the Waikato tribes from prosecuting it. The conduct of the two Native Teachers left in charge of the Station during our absence was most satisfactory. I expect the early ordination of my old friend Matiaha, and soon hope to send another candidate to the Bishop.

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Our School, though diminished in numbers, is going on satisfactorily.

We thank God for the return of Sir George Grey. The Natives had so thoroughly lost confidence in the Government that at the outset great prudence will be required on his part. If confidence is once restored Sir George Grey may be, by God's blessing, the salvation of the race. I have the greatest hope that the late war, which has led to his return, will, in the end, prove to be one of the greatest blessings. Truly "His ways are not as our ways, etc."

Notwithstanding the hard sayings of many at Home and here respecting the Bishops and Missionaries, we get full compensation for all in the return of Sir George Grey. Let us thank God and take courage; better days are in store for the poor Maori, who, notwithstanding his many faults, has to bear many wrongs and more disadvantages.

I never could believe the doctrine that the aboriginal must disappear before the advance of the White man. Christ has sent us to preach His Gospel of "Peace on earth, good will towards men." Wherever the Gospel is preached civilization must follow (to a certain extent at least); but, neither the Gospel, nor civilization rightly applied, has any tendency to cut off a race. It is the cupidity of the White adventurer and the grasping, money-making propensities of our people, that deal out certain death to a race like the Maoris. We see advantages and embrace them; they, knowing nothing of our usages, miss every advantage, and become the poorer by contact with us. Two things are indispensable--Protection and Instruction. Let our friends, the Maoris, have these, together with the Gospel, and I doubt if there will be found on earth another race of men ready to display the enterprise and perseverance of the Maoris.

With very kind regards to Mr. Venn and yourself, and praying that our Heavenly Father may remove your present difficulties.

I remain,
Very truly yours,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

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ORETI, TAUPO,
31st Decr. 1861.

The Revd. J. Chapman,
Sec. C.M.S.,
London.

MY DEAR SIR,

Everything here is in a state of suspense. Between the two races there is a want of confidence that is very general; still, as soon as the Maoris are convinced that the Governor seeks only the welfare of all parties, obstacles will vanish.

Things had gone so far in a wrong direction before Governor Grey arrived that the present position of affairs is most critical.

So far as I am able to judge the King party has gained strength. The Taranaki war has done all that was required to make this movement formidable. Had that war not occurred the King would not have survived until now. Should a war be now determined upon the prospect is that the Maoris would commence hostilities on the borders of every European town, in which case it would require many more troops than we have in the Island to protect our towns alone, while the out-settlers would lose all. Nothing could be more unwise than to begin fighting. Notwithstanding this dark and critical state of affairs, I cannot help believing that God has sent us a Governor possessed of sufficient wisdom and patience to meet all the many difficulties by which we are surrounded. Maoris cannot be hurried into peace. Whenever we press for anything they stand off; like the tide, they require to be taken on the turn, when they are often found to move faster than we are prepared for. Should things be favourable we hope to have a visit in Taupo from Governor Grey.

Our position here has this year been somewhat more trying than usual. Mrs. Grace's health has been far from good, whilst our failure to obtain bearers to carry in our supplies from the Coast has put us to much inconvenience and trouble. Mr. Burrows and the Committee here now appear to see the difficulties attending our position, and are quite willing to facilitate some changes which I have proposed; by which means I hope, with God's blessing, to hold Taupo more easily, and, at the same time, by

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decreasing the great amount of secular labour that I have had for the last seven years, to greatly increase our real Missionary work. At the commencement a good purpose was served when the Natives saw me shoulder a heavy load, and I by no means regret it, for it formed one important link in the chain which enabled us to bring the Gospel to Taupo; but now I feel it a clear duty not to continue it. The time seems fully come when a change in the mode of procuring our supplies must take place. The Bishop of New Zealand appears to consider my district to be in his diocese, although fully one-half of its extent, and two-thirds of my people, belong to Waiapu. If I meet with no difficulty from the Bishop I trust to be able to see an improvement in a short time, though, for the coming winter, I anticipate an increase of labour owing to the fact that there is no wheat for sale in Taupo at present.

With very kind regards,
I remain, Yours faithfully,
(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

Oreti, Taupo,
24th Septr. 1862.

Major H. Straith,
Sec. C.M.S.,
London.

MY DEAR SIR,

I feel it my duty to inform the Society of out present position in Taupo.

For the last three months we have been without all European supplies except tea, owing to the unwillingness of the Maoris to carry in our stores. Since the Government has sent a Magistrate to Taupo well provided with funds to meet all the demands of this inland district, the Natives have been much more decided not to help us with our supplies without payment, and their demands are now very high.

In addition to this there is at present almost a famine of bread and potatoes in this part of the country. Owing to the unsettled conditions caused by the war the Taupo Maoris sowed no wheat, whilst the principal crop of potatoes last summer failed. We have lately been for a week at a time without bread, and sometimes without

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potatoes also. How we are to get on until the new food is ready we see not; yet, to take my family away for a season while the Maoris are in their present state, would, perhaps, be as difficult as to stay. But this is not all. It has pleased God to visit us with another great trial. Three weeks ago we were quite without food, when, as a last resort, Mrs. Grace took the canoe, a Maori woman and some of the elder School boys, and paddled off to Tokaanu, a distance of about three miles, with the hope of procuring some potatoes. She succeeded, but when about to return the wind got up, and, the lake being rough, she prudently left the potatoes. After some difficulty and danger she reached home long after dark, having arranged for the Maori woman and the boys to return the next day for the potatoes. At daybreak the following morning the boys set off without the woman. On their arrival at Tokaanu the wind was blowing hard and they were detained all day; but, towards evening, in spite of the warnings of the Tokaanu people, they set out and when almost home their canoe filled and turned over.

For a while they clung to the canoe, but fearing that they should be blown away from the land they resolved to swim for the rocks; however, one only out of the five succeeded. The remaining four perished in the attempt, excellent swimmers though they were.

This has been a great trial of faith to the parents and friends, but I am thankful and rejoice to see that a calamity, which formerly would have called forth some of the worst feelings and customs of this people, has been met with quiet, Christian resignation to the will of God, more particularly so in one case. We mourn over the loss of these dear lads! Three of them were remarkably fine, clever boys, kind and obedient to a degree, and strongly attached to us. They took great pleasure in their School, particularly in their Sunday lessons. In their great desire to hasten to us with food they lost their lives. There were many signs assuring us that a work of grace was going on in the hearts of three of them. One of them had been with us but a short time.

While we grieve over their loss we cannot help remembering the many narrow escapes we ourselves have had on

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this lake! On this occasion Mrs. Grace had with her her twin babies, two little girls, and the governess, yet these helpless ones returned in safety while the strong have been taken! We have not yet found the bodies. If all is well I will write to you again on my return from the Coast. We purpose starting in the morning, but without a single Maori beyond those belonging to our own establishment. I am leaving Mrs. Grace and the little ones to the protection of our Heavenly Father who has never failed us. They have only a few days' provisions, yet I cannot expect to return in less than six weeks!

With very kind regards,
I remain, Very truly yours,
(Sd.) T. S. G.

REPORT OF THE TAUPO DISTRICT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST DECEMBER, 1862.

The Taupo District at the close of the year presents much that is discouraging. There is perhaps no district in the Country that has suffered so much from the war, although our people have not yet joined in it. We have been kept in such a constant state of excitement that everything has been neglected, nor are the Maoris likely to settle down to their accustomed avocations until the troubles at Taranaki and the Waikato King movement are set at rest. This state of things is not to be wondered at if we remember that a Maori, whose mind is occupied with a weighty matter, is unable to attend to anything else. Their interest in our School has decreased, and, owing to the great scarcity of food, it has been most difficult to assemble them for religious purposes.

In no other district would a missionary feel this state of affairs as we do. Owing to our entire dependence upon the Maoris we have felt the change exceedingly. In short, as Missionaries, we can live here only so long as we have their goodwill and co-operation.

We have been unable to procure a supply of food either for ourselves or the School, and, in going about the Lake to seek for it, four of our finest School boys were drowned in September last. This has cast a deep gloom over every-

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thing, yet the heavy calamity has been borne with great patience, and in one case with truly Christian resignation.

After this sad accident food continued to become more scarce, so much so, that we have been obliged to return the children to their parents, with the exception of a few with whom we could not part. Our hope is that food may become more plentiful.

Such is the dark side of my Report. On the other hand, we have seen the effect of the Gospel in many Maoris rising superior to all their difficulties. We have heard them say that the Gospel, and nothing but the Gospel, can set them right again; and even now for some months back there has been much said about beginning anew, as at the first, and of letting the Gospel be the great thing. So far as the Government measures have gone they have produced an insatiable thirst for Mammon; I believe that what is now being done at great expense, and with the best possible intentions to introduce law and order, will at last prove that the Gospel is the best, easiest and least expensive way of civilizing Natives.

We had a very satisfactory Native Teachers' school for three weeks in June, when some good resolutions were made by them for the rebuilding of several churches. The Maoris of Matata have made a commencement in the rebuilding of their little chapel, and when I was last with them they showed more interest than usual in spiritual things. With the blessing of God there is every reason to hope that, when the unsettled state of affairs shall have subsided, there will be a reaction throughout the country in favour of the Gospel.

I am sorry to say that our Taupo Chief, Te Heuheu, died in October last. He was the sole remaining chief of the old school, who, with all their faults, were vastly superior to those so-called chiefs who have arisen through European influence. He had a very fierce temper when roused, and of late there have been so many subjects to disturb him that at most meetings he has not been seen to advantage.

From the first day of our coming, to the time of his death, he was our friend and protector. He was perfectly honest in his intentions, and his angry words were soon

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forgotten. He was a most liberal man and kind to all European travellers, who ever found in him a bountiful host. He was opposed to the Taranaki war and frequently told me that he would not go into it. He was anxious to avoid war, but considered, that if the Waikato were attacked by us, he would be compelled to help them. He was always against land selling from purely patriotic motives; indeed, Garibaldi is not a greater patriot than Te Heuheu was--notwithstanding this, he was fond of Europeans. He was a constant attendant at our services, and I had often pleaded with him to put away his wives, and to become a candidate for baptism. This he said he could not do. "You have taken away all my slaves," he would say (meaning that the influence of the Gospel had done so), "and now, if I send away my wives I shall have no one to plant food for my visitors. Before the Gospel came I had plenty of food and never worked--now I am a slave!"

He had to work very hard himself. He was, with all his faults, the noblest Maori I have ever met; and his attention to Mrs. Grace was constant and gentlemanly. We were evidently a check upon him. Many a time he has told me that, had it not been for us, he would have joined the war; although we were often obliged to differ with him, and, once or twice even to break with him, yet he never resented it, but continued his accustomed kindness and courtesy to the end. In him we have lost a true friend, and very deeply do I regret that I was absent from Taupo at the time of his death.

I shall ever remember him as a friend, a really honest man, and a splendid specimen of a race of chiefs now extinct.

During the year the baptisms have been:--
Adults .. .. .. .. . 19
Children .. .. .. .. 40
59
Communicants .. .. . 54

(Sd.) T. S. GRACE.

ORETI, TAUPO,
31st Decr. 1862.