1814-1853 - The Missionary Register [Sections relating to New Zealand.] - 1851 - Church Missionary Society. Western District, Northern District, p 148-155

I am thankful in being able to give a generally favourable report of my wide District. All are dwelling in peace, and, I think I may say, are more than usually attentive to the Means of Grace. The great increase of Communicants, and of Candidates for Baptism, is a very satisfactory proof that the great work is progressing. At no former period have I had so many at the Lord's Table, or received so many by Baptism into the Church. At Christmas, 709 commemorated a dying Saviour's love at Putiki; and, amongst those received into the Church, were some of the most influential Chiefs engaged in the late war.

Sept. 27 --I left, to administer the Sacrament at Hikurangi, accompanied by Mrs. Taylor and Mr. Baker. The entire population of Putiki had preceded us the day before, so that there were not sufficient left to paddle my canoe. Some of the young men, however, found that out on reaching Tunuhaere, and a crew of eight came back for me. The day was showery, but we managed to reach Parikino for the night The bank of the river there was quite picturesque. In the foreground a great number of canoes was drawn up, and beyond them was the encampment of those who had arrived thus far on their way to Hikurangi: their little tents, being formed of sheets and blankets of every hue, gave an enlivening effect to the landscape. We pitched our tent in a shed, as it turned out rainy.

Sept. 28 --Examining Candidates for Baptism, &c.

Sept. 29--I found this morning that the river was flooded: the water had risen nearly eight feet, and covered all the low lands, so that the encampment on the bank of the river was compelled to be broken up during the night, and removed to a higher spot The scene was very animated this morning when we started, so many canoes leaving at the same time. The rain, however, soon commenced: we had a heavy shower, accompanied with hail, and our canoe was so deeply laden that the water could scarcely be baled out as fast as it came in. On arriving at Koponga, I was obliged to lighten the canoe, by leaving three of our number to proceed by another. A little further on a large canoe from Hikurangi came to meet us. It had Henio, the Teacher of Pukehika, and Aperaniko, the Teacher of Hikurangi, on board. They shot past us, and then wheeled round and came alongside of us. They had come on purpose to meet me and take us on, as they feared the flood would hinder us from reaching our destination this day. The canoe had been the favourite one of Maketu. 1 It was about sixty or seventy feet long, and four or five feet wide, formed of one totara tree, 2 and manned by twenty-five men. I could not help thinking it remarkable that this canoe, belonging to the Chief who had formerly been so hostile to religion, and had openly cursed me as a Minister, should now be sent to fetch me in order to examine his own people for Baptism. The stream ran with great velocity, but the Natives pulled with such vigour as to overcome it, and we proceeded so rapidly, that we reached Hikurangi about 4 P.M., where, after some delay in waiting for my tent, which was left in my canoe, we finally got housed in a shed erected for me near the Church. We had a

loud welcome given to us on landing, and found already a very large encampment formed, although none of the canoes from the coast had then arrived. I was obliged to have Service in the open air, on account of the number of people. They remained very quiet, although it was extremely cold and rainy. Afterward, I examined 64 Candidates for Baptism, all from Pukehika, which occupied me until a late hour. I find the number of Candidates is very great from every place. The reaction is general: all declare that they wish to devote the rest of their lives to God, and to live in obedience to the Christian Faith. May they be enabled to do so!

Sept. 30, 1848 ---I held Service in the open air with upward of 1000 persons. This large Congregation was very cheering. I felt strengthened to proclaim the Gospel, which appeared to be listened to with great attention. Afterward, I was occupied until the evening in examining Candidates for Baptism, having not only a great number of those who had been examined by me during my last journey up the river, but also a great number of fresh applicants; so many, indeed, that I found myself compelled to leave more than 100 unexamined, to their great disappointment. In the evening I held a meeting with the Teachers, when many things for the improvement of the people were proposed, such as appointing magistrates amongst themselves; the giving up the use of putrid corn as food; the putting away all necromancers from among them; the appointing Teachers, &c. It was near 1 A.M. before the meeting terminated.

Oct. 1 --It was a cold, frosty night, but the morning was lovely: not a cloud was to be seen. My pulpit was carried out on a grassy plain near the Church, which was enclosed with the tents and sheds of my Congregation, built in continuous lines, so as to form a square. On one side was the Church, and beyond it a lovely grove of karaka trees; 3 on the other side, a beautiful grassy slope, crowned with houses and people; in front, a mountain, forming an amphitheatre, running to the height of near 1000 feet, crowned with verdant grass and trees; and behind, a mountain range, rising abruptly from the banks of the river. Before me was a Congregation of fully 2000 in number. The Lesson for the day (Mark iv. ) was very appropriate--Christ preaching to the multitude from the deck of a ship; from the calm surface of a lake, which, though hushed in deep repose while He proclaimed the Word of Life, afterward was ruffled with storm and tempest. I selected this subject for my text; and I trust I was enabled to speak a word in season. There was something peculiarly interesting in this assembly, it being the first re-union of the tribes which has taken place since the war. Many have assembled here who never before joined the Church. With them this has been the first acknowledgment of their faith in Christ, and this was the case with the great heathen Chiefs of this river; so that I cannot but regard it as a memorable day--one which will have a lasting effect upon these tribes.

After Morning Service, the Communicants, 440 in number, assembled in the square before the Church, which was too small to contain so many. Standing, therefore, at the door, I commenced the Sacramental Service, as far as the consecration of the elements, when half the number entered, and received the Sacrament: they then went out. and the other half took their place. Amongst them was my old friend Wirihana, of Pipiriki, who is perfectly blind. Whilst these were receiving the Sacrament, I caused those who did not partake to hold School with the unoccupied crowd.

After Service, I examined three more Candidates for Baptism, who were deeply grieved at being omitted in my yesterday's meeting, as they had long been on my books; so that I was obliged, though wearied, to give way. I accepted two of them, and then was busily employed in entering the names of infants until it was time for Evening Prayers.

I arranged my Candidates for Baptism, in number 120 adults and 40 children, in a double circle in front of the pulpit. In the middle was laid a poor woman, in nearly a dying state. I never baptized so many Chiefs at once. Among them were nearly all the chief leaders of the late war. It was an interesting sight to see them all kneeling in a large circle, dressed in their best, to be admitted as servants of the living God. I was much pleased with their reverential deportment. The sun had set before the Service was over.

I afterward visited the sick, and baptized a poor dying boy. It is most distressing to see how the children suddenly droop and die: there are several in an almost hopeless state. In the evening I

met a number of young men from the late hostile Pas, who had tattooed themselves and fallen into sin. I addressed them affectionately on their evil course, and heard each one promise to give up his evil way, and then restored them to Service, concluding with committing them in prayer to the Lord, that they might be strengthened in their good resolutions. It was 10 P.M. before I concluded this day's work.

Dec. 21 --This is our longest day, and was very warm. In the morning I examined upward of 80 persons for baptism, of whom I accepted nearly 60. I was much pleased with the simple faith displayed by several of the old people who were Candidates. I was assisted by Mr. Baker, and we were occupied the whole of the morning. In the evening I had a very large Congregation, and afterward held a meeting of the Candidates for the Sacrament; but the number was so great that I was obliged to divide the District, taking those only from Pukehika to Tunuhaere, who completely filled the Church. There was some noise and confusion on entering, which caused me to speak most strongly on the impropriety of Candidates for the Lord's Table acting in such an irreverent way. From that time to the termination of the meeting, which was not until after 10 P.M., nothing could exceed the quietness and decorum of this large assembly, who walked out without the least noise, although, from the excessive heat of so great a crowd, two poor women fainted. I received 267 of those who came, and rejected a woman whom I noticed speaking loudly in the Church.

Dec. 22, 1848 --This morning I had the Service outside in my field, where I had the pulpit carried, the Natives being too many to be contained in the Church. Afterward I examined Candidates for Baptism, and administered medicine, until the evening. It is wonderful to behold such a reaction among the people. I feel jealous of admitting so many into the outward Church, and at the same time afraid of refusing them, when they thus come confessing their faith in Christ, and supporting the declaration by a consistent walk and conversation. Many were very old, some in an almost dying state, and one was deaf and dumb. After the Evening Prayers, I addressed the remainder of the Candidates for the Sacrament, which occupied me until 11 P.M. I have accepted the large number of 672. It is a very gratifying consideration that I have such a body of persons living in my District, who are so consistent, that even the most censorious cannot allege any thing against their moral or religious conduct; for such is the closeness of the examination, that, if it can be proved that any have even given the hand to a known sinner, he is rejected. I have declined receiving those who were baptized at Pukehika until another Sacrament, otherwise the number of Communicants would have been much greater.

Yesterday and to-day the Settlers held their first races, which were attended by the entire European Population, and some strangers; but one of the number remarked it as very strange, that, in so large an assemblage of Natives, so very few should have been influenced by curiosity to go and see them. The Natives, indeed, have viewed them as an open profanation of this season of our Saviour's birth, and thus have not been drawn away by this European novelty. I could not help contrasting it with the different way in which this season is celebrated by the Natives. Whilst perhaps near 700 Europeans were assembled at these races, on one side of the Wanganui river, and many of them passing their time in drinking, swearing, and gaming; exactly opposite, nearly 4000 of the lately barbarous Natives had congregated from all parts, some near 150 miles distant, to celebrate a Saviour's birth.

Dec. 24 --I commenced Service a little after 7 A.M. It was a glorious day--not a cloud to be seen; but it was a still more glorious sight to see before me upward of 3000 Natives uniting in the solemn Service of our Church, and listening with deep attention to the Word of God. Around the pulpit stood my band of fellow-labourers, the Native Teachers present-- no inconsiderable company, being upward of 100 in number--and amongst them were assembled nearly all the principal Chiefs of this District, gaily dressed in their newly-acquired European Clothing.

The Lesson for the day afforded a most appropriate text--Paul's confession before Felix, that, after the way they called heresy, so worshipped he the God of his fathers. After the Sermon, about 360 partook of the Sacrament. The heat was very great, as the Church was quite full. Two poor sick women communicated. They were laid at the rail of the Lord's Table.

During the Evening Service I baptized 162, including nearly 40 children. The sun had set before the Service was terminated.

Dec. 25, 1848: Christmas Day --This was a fine day, but very hot, the thermometer being 74 in the shade. I addressed my large Congregation from the Morning Lesson (Luke ii. 14), and afterward administered the Sacrament to about 350, making a grand total of 707, the largest number who have ever assembled in this land to receive the Sacrament.

I called over the list of Teachers for the ensuing year, 150 in number, and also the list of Chiefs who are recognised by the Natives as magistrates--there are about 30; and then I concluded with a discourse from Titus, the Second Lesson for the day, which was most appropriate; exhorting them who had believed in God to be careful to maintain good works, as the most effectual way of proving their love to Christ, and faith in His salvation. Thus the Services of this interesting meeting terminated.

Dec. 11 --I visited Tamehana, Rauparaha's son. His house, which is ornamented in the native style, is divided into three rooms, which are very neatly finished off by an English Carpenter. The house is about thirty-three feet long by eighteen wide, well erected, and finished in the native style. The supports are broad totara posts, painted in native patterns, white and red; the intervals between the posts are pannelled with white and black lattice-work, very pretty; the ceiling also being painted, and finished with reeds. There are two centre posts in the house, the lower part of each being carved in the grotesque figure of a Native: so also the posts of the verandah. I found Tamehana, his wife, and a friend, at breakfast. The table was covered with a very clean cloth. They had tea, bread and butter, both the latter of their own make, and also fried pork chops. They were dressed quite in the European Manner, nor could the most fastidious have detected any impropriety in their behaviour. Indeed, there is actually more refinement of manner than is ordinarily met with amongst our own countrymen. I could not but notice Ruta, his wife, who really was quite ladylike in all she did. They have been honoured by the company of Governors, Captains, Judges, and all the great men of the colony. I was also much pleased with Martyn's house, which, though far less pretending than the other, was still a picture of neatness and cleanliness. I saw his dairy, churn, milk-pans, &c, all kept in the greatest order.

June 2, 1849 --I went down to the Pa this morning to see my Natives. George King shewed me his new house, which is to be a ware wakawa (court-house) as well. It is really a noble building. The verandah is supported on carved pillars, and the inside is beautifully ornamented. This building was erected by the joint labour of nearly all the Wanganui and neighbouring tribes, and is a great mark of respect to this Chief. Indeed, in the native estimation, there are only three grand signs of chieftainship -- a carved house, an embroidered garment, and a green jade mere (a weapon of war).

Sept. 9 --A lovely morning. We were obliged to hold Service in the open air, on account of the multitude, which completely filled the space before the Church, full 100 feet square; and the sloping sides gave all the people an opportunity of seeing the Minister. In front was a deep precipice, with the Waingongoro flowing beneath; and beyond, a lofty cliff, which shut out the view of Taranaki with its hoary head. The scene was beautiful, and the Congregation most attentive. In alluding to the light emanating from Judea, and gradually spreading over the world until it at last reached this remote country, I compared it to the morning sunbeams, striking first the top of the mountain, and gradually descending and illuming its

sides, then the low-lands, and, lastly, the whole surface of the earth. Afterward, I arranged the Communicants in rows round the Church, which I found was the easiest way of administering the elements, and with the least confusion. I went five times round, and 462 communicated. The Church was very hot. After the Service was concluded I distributed all the books I had brought with me to the Teachers, as a supply of fresh food for the soul.

Sept. 10, 1849 --I heard my Natives having prayers by 4 A.M., and before it was light most of them were on their way back. I also arose by candle-light, and held Service with the Natives of Rangatapu, to whom I preached on their privileges as children of God, and solemnly exhorted them to shew, by holiness and purity of life, that they were the children of God. I married two couples, and then left, accompanied by some of the Natives.

Sept. 14 --At our Prayer Meeting this evening one prayed that his sins might not sink his soul down, like a stone, into the abyss; but that, through grace, it might float like a piece of pummice--the prevailing stone at Wanganui. John Williams said that Abraham sought for a permanent abode, but, though one was promised his seed, he did not obtain one for himself: so, it was not for the body we should look for a lasting abode, since it was only a perishing body, dwelling in a perishing world; it was for the soul we should seek an enduring habitation, that when the body perished it might have a new and lasting mansion to live in. One mourned that his Minister sowed much seed amongst the rocks, the hard rocks, which was thus wasted, as it did not spring up; but he prayed that I might be enabled to sow all the seed in good ground, that all might bring forth fruit to perfection. I think that a perceptible blessing rests on these Prayer Meetings, and that they act as a great check to the evils arising from bad European Example. During my last journey to the Central Committee, at all the Prayer Meetings throughout my District express supplication was made in my behalf that I might return in peace.

Nov. 4 --We had a very full Congregation, and all very attentive: 107 partook of the Lord's Supper, and amongst them was Tamati Wiremu, who for the first time met Panapa, the murderer of his father Ngarangi, but now, as servants of the same Lord, they both bowed their knees together in prayer. Tamati appeared to be greatly moved, but he went and gave his hand to him, who, but for the Gospel, would have been his mortal enemy.

Nov. 26 --Several Natives from Pipiriki arrived. They were sent by Pehi to ask George King and the other Kai-Whakawa--Native Assessors--to go up to Pipiriki, seventy miles, to try a case relative to a dispute between him and another about the possession of a piece of land. They immediately agreed to go, and at once made their preparations and left. In former days this quarrel would, in all probability, have caused bloodshed; but now, the principal Chief of the river is content to submit the cause to a court of Native Judges. I see every day reasons to be satisfied with the good results of this new system.

Dec. 10 --Wiremu Kingi Rangitauira came down the river, very ill. I went to see him, and inquired what was his disease. He said it was old age; that he could not expect to be otherwise, but his soul was light; that had he not been a believer he should have been dead before this. The calm, contented way in which he spoke was a satisfactory token of his spiritual state.

We had very few at the Morning Service, all having gone to fish. On these occasions they start before it is light, and when they arrive at their fishing-ground they assemble all the canoes together, and have prayers before they commence fishing; thus invoking, as it were, the Divine Blessing on their labours, that they may be enabled to throw their nets on the right side. Even in their heathen state they never thought of hunting or fishing without first offering up their prayers to gods.

By the Divine Mercy we have been permitted uninterruptedly to enjoy the blessings of peace, and the Natives generally have made a steady advance in the habits of civilized life. The Pa at Putiki has been laid out by the Government, at the request of its inhabitants, as a town;

and they have destroyed the fortifications and pulled down their houses, wherever they interfered with the plan: this they would not have done had they not reposed confidence in the Europeans, and been really desirous of living in peace with them.

The houses and fences now being erected are of a more permanent character, and superior in workmanship to those of former times. Such a decided desire of improvement, and efforts to secure it, warrant the hope that a permanent change for good is taking place; and being sustained in their adoption of European manners by the example of an increasing body of Settlers, there will be little fear of their again relapsing into their former customs.

In taking a view of the religious state of the Natives in the District, I have to report, that they are not only generally living in a quiet and peaceable way, but that they are also using every means to ensure the continuance of it, by the appointment of magistrates among themselves, to whose decision even the highest Chiefs have been content to submit; and thus already several quarrels have been amicably terminated, which in former times would have inevitably led to war and bloodshed.

The number of baptisms during this year has been less than in the preceding one: still it has been considerable; and I have the pleasure of reporting an increase in the number of my Communicants, as many as 776 having attended the Lord's Table last Christmas Day. Although I am unable to report any signal instances of spiritual advancement, beyond the death of a few whose faith supported them in the last trial, still, the general consistent conduct of the whole may be adduced as a satisfactory evidence that this branch of the Lord's vineyard is not altogether fruitless.

During the last six months I have visited the native villages Takou, Waiaua, and Ti, once a month, each visit occupying three days, for the purpose of giving the Natives religious instruction. The Church Service is read on the Lord's Day, and the Natives are regular in their attendance. Some, I trust, have seen their folly in attending to their heathen customs, and have returned to attend the Services of the Lord's Day, when the Scriptures are read in class, and the Catechisms repeated.

The Christian Natives stand much in need of being frequently visited. Many have been led away from their Christian Profession by the crafty insinuations of their heathen Priests, who have, since the late war, gained great influence over many. It has been a sifting time to this infant Church in New Zealand. Our consolation is, that all who are sincere will come forth as gold purified.

The Service has been regularly held in the Settlement, and frequently a greater number of Natives than usual have come to attend Service on the Sabbath Morning. For want of Prayer Books, however, many have not been able to join in reading the Psalms, &c.; and on Sunday last it was proposed, after Service at the Ti, to send a Prayer Book to the Fathers of the Church in England, that some might be printed and sent to New Zealand. The want of it is very much felt.

In the Settlement the Natives assemble morning and evening for reading the Scriptures and prayer. The Sabbath afternoon is devoted to catechizing and reading. I have visited the sick Natives, to administer to their wants in medicine and food. A young Chief, whose Christian name is Shortland, has been ill during the last year. I have frequently visited him, and have always found him patient and resigned to the will of the Lord. He now appears to be fast hastening to his end. On Sunday last, when speaking to him as to his ground of hope for pardon and acceptance with God, his answer was, "Christ alone;" and he trusted that Jesus would receive him when called from hence. He has been a living witness of the Truth; and dying, he will, I trust, find the consolation of the Gospel of Christ able to support him while passing through the valley of the shadow of death.

During the last six months the duties of this Station have been carried on with regularity when the weather would permit. I trust the improvement amongst the tribes around has been gradually progressing.

At Kauakaua the people are the most steady and regular in their religious duties. Waikare--which until lately has been, since the war, in a very stagnant state--is, I hope, in some degree reviving. There is now a good and steady Congregation. At this place there was a strong party who held with the Papists. When I was last there, on Sunday the 23d of December, all these attended our Service. At Wangai, also, there is some resumption of the duties of former days; and the same may be said of some Natives in connection with Pomare. Though that Chief remains in his heathen state, he has given his full approbation to this movement All these tribes were fully engaged in the late war, and I trust there may be sincerity in their present profession. The tribes in Paroa are in a listless state at present, which may be attributed to the long and tedious preparation for the Hakari 4 held at Kororarika in September, which was provided by these tribes.

It is gratifying to notice, amidst much evil, that the applications for Testaments and Prayer-books have been very numerous. Of Prayer-books we have been long out.

The native Settlements around have been visited as opportunities would admit; but the difficulty of doing so appears to increase, owing to the reluctance of Natives to go out in the boat, which is the only means of seeing the Natives of this Station. The people at the various villages always appear most glad to see me and receive instruction.

Sickness has prevailed around in more than an ordinary degree, and many deaths have occurred. The departure of many, I trust, has been with hope. One young man, Hemi Hangarau, who long resided with Mr. King at Tepuna, died at the Kauakaua. It was his desire to breathe his last up the Kauakaua, where he might remain in peace, without fear of his body being exhumed according to the revived ancient custom. He remained sensible to the last, feeding upon the promises of God, and looking forward with a sure hope. There were two others at the Kauakaua, and one at Kororarika, whose hope appeared to be built on Christ.

In September I went to Kaikohi, to administer the Lord's Supper to the Natives of that District; and toward the close of November to Kaitaia, where I spent two Sundays, November 25 and December 2, and had an opportunity of seeing all the Natives.