1814-1853 - The Missionary Register [Sections relating to New Zealand.] - 1851 - Church Missionary Society, Middle District, p 280-288

Four of our elder girls have married respectably, two of them to young native men belonging to the Bishop's College, where they are usefully employed. The third, a most valuable girl, is married to a native of her own tribe, and they are living with Mr. and Mrs. Barker at the Kauakaua, our old Station. We left her there on our return in February, and I have since heard that she is going on usefully in the School, and is of great assistance to Mrs. Barker, who of course understands but little of the native language, while Julia understands and speaks English tolerably well. The fourth is settled in her own village, is conducting herself creditably, and may, I hope, become useful there.

We have now eight grown-up girls. By means of our washing system we have employment for them, and gain some means for the general support; ever bearing in mind that the grand object of our wishes, as regards the things of time, is, that they may become useful

among their fellow countrywomen. We hope, by their long residence with us, we may be able the better to accomplish this. We have, next to these, eight nice girls about 12 years of age, and six little ones, of whom, under God's blessing, I have great hopes; for, having been taken early from their native homes, they will know little of the evils of a native village.

We have been settled in our Station since the 31st of January, having resided at the College from the time of our arrival in this country until we left it for this place. The house was much out of repair when we came, but the Bishop sent carpenters and a mason. Since we have been settled I have made two excursions, one up the river Thames in a canoe, with the Rev. R. Burrows, who spent a Sunday here on his way to Tauranga. The second was along the coast, on foot, to Coromandel Harbour. In this journey I baptized 23 children, and 1 adult, who was ill. I catechized a class of adult Candidates for Baptism at Waiau; and on my return, at one of the villages, a number of people gathering round the door of my tent in the evening, I was enabled to explain to them several passages of Scripture, of which they asked me the meaning.

At Coromandel Harbour I saw some sailors who had been wrecked on the coast, and were in danger of being starved, when they met with some Natives, who gave them all the food they had, and guided them to the habitations of their own countrymen. "What hath God wrought!"

We hope in time to have a Boarding School. For what reason I do not know, but at present the people seem shy of sending their children to us. When I am at home I keep a Day School every morning till the middle of the day, except on Saturdays. On Good Friday, feeling obliged to try, I attempted a short discourse to the people in their own tongue, and was, prospered in it better than I expected. I am almost ashamed to speak of this, and I would not, but I wish you to know how I am getting on. I have only told you the best side of things. I assure you I find it a very different thing to be a Missionary here in reality, from being one in imagination in England: I find so many things of a worldly nature, yet necessarily requiring attention, acting as a clog on my spirit. Duty often appears more irksome than it ought to do, and my still very imperfect knowledge of the language is a drawback. I think the difficulties here are more from within than without, only here, as everywhere, probably, the force brought to bear on the people seems very insufficient for their proper instruction. Mr. Dudley is remembered with much respect and affection by his people and the children of his School.

In reviewing my labours of the past year, I would in the first instance record with thankfulness the large measure of health which my good Master has vouchsafed to me, and the strength with which He has enabled me to discharge the various duties which accumulate, instead of diminishing, with each successive year.

The chief portion of my time has been spent in the care of the Native Institution which I have been enabled to establish on this Station. I have, however, paid frequent visits to the different Native Settlements in my Circuit, have paid one visit to the Otawao and Kaitotehe Stations, and afterward proceeded to Tauranga to the meeting of the Central Committee, where I had the pleasure of meeting Archdeacon W. Williams, and of completing with him a revision of the Epistle to the Romans in Maori.

In the state of things in my District I see but little to report. Services continue steadily attended, and my Scripture-reading meetings at the various Settlements have always been a source of gratification to myself, and, I trust, of much benefit to the people. Still I would not imply that any great progress has been made in either Christianity or civilization. Of the religious state of the people it can only be affirmed that no ground has been lost, and that nearly all the population of this District are professing Christians. In habits of civilization their advance is very slow, neither do I think that any material change will be visible until we are

enabled to bring the young more extensively under instruction in our Boarding Schools.

My Boarding School on this Station I contemplate with deep interest and much thankfulness. Every thing has prospered far beyond my most sanguine hopes. In the first year the number of pupils boarded was 15; in the second year it was 30; in the third year it was 47; and the number now in the Institution, of all ages, is 84: of whom 7 are Native Teachers, with their wives, and 3 are sons of Missionaries. It is a source of much thankfulness to myself to reflect that this Institution has not in the least drawn upon the resources of the Church Missionary Society, but that, on the contrary, it has in many ways, which I need not here enumerate, enabled me to carry out the Society's objects without any expense to it. From the Government I have received--for building expenses 220l.; for the expenses of the Institution during the last two years, 210l. From friends I have received in money 13l. -- from J. Gabett, Esq., Dublin -- clothes from a few friends at home and in Auckland; food, donations from the Natives. All the other means of support have been derived from my own private resources. The Institution is now 90l. in debt; but I have strong hopes that, with the blessing of God, it will maintain its ground, and prosper.

My literary labours during the past year have been, the conducting our revision of the Gospels through the press, proceeding with my translation of the Old Testament, and preparing the second part of the Scripture History, which ends at the Ascension of our Lord, and to which I have appended a Harmony of the Four Gospels. The press of St. John's College, at which all the works of the Society are now printed, has just completed the revision of the Gospels, and is now engaged with the sheets of the Acts. The portions of the Old Testament have reached to the first of Samuel. The second part of the Scripture History will soon be ready for distribution. I have to acknowledge the very liberal donation of 36 reams of paper from the Tract Society, and 10l. for the printing of the Scripture History.

I have had cause for much thankfulness during the past year, both as regards my Native Teachers and School. The former have rendered me much assistance in my district. The progress of the School is as follows. The number is 30, 16 of whom are reading Scripture History and the Scriptures in their own language, and in English the Primer; 8 are reading the New-Zealand Testament; and the remainder Scripture Lessons. All are acquainted, more or less, with the geography of the world in general, and of the Holy Land in particular, especially the first two classes. They have also been taught writing and arithmetic: one has reached the Rule of Three, and the others are in the simple rules. All are acquainted with the Church Catechism, and have progressed in scripture knowledge. Out of this number twenty came to the School without a knowledge of the alphabet. The School has not yet been established two years.

In addition to the daily instruction at the School, I have visited regularly the different Congregations of the district, 70 miles in extent. Watawata, Wangape, Rapa, and the Settlement Congregations, are the most numerous, and have received a greater degree of my attention. I have been present at the Teachers' weekly meeting to prepare them for their Sabbath duties, and the Missionary Prayer Meeting, on the first Monday in the month, I have much enjoyed with them. Two good Chapels have been erected in the district, and one large flour-mill at the Settlement. Another is now building twenty miles from it, giving promise of advancing civilization. Although much encouraged at the state of the district, I am sorry to have to report that one part of it is involved in war with the Natives of Wangaroa respecting land. I accompanied them to Wangaroa, and they returned without bloodshed; but another expedition from the Natives of Waikato to Wangaroa I fear will not end so favourably: however, we trust even this will be overruled for good. I have been absent from the Station one hundred nights, eighty of which I have spent in the tent among the Natives, during the past year. The Boarding and Sunday-schools are attended to by Mrs. Ashwell and myself. Forty Natives have been admitted to the Church by baptism, and there are seventy Candidates for that ordinance.

The Ngatimahuta, and other parties of armed Natives from this district, having assembled to assert their claim to land which was also claimed by the Ngatitahinga tribe of Wangaroa, no doubt the real owners of the soil, C. W. Ligar, Esq., Surveyor-General, who had been commissioned by the Governor to purchase the land, and thus put an end to the dispute, called upon me, and requested me to accompany him, to use what influence I had to bring the matter to a peaceable termination. To this I readily consented, as I had been for some time intending to visit them.

March 12, 1850 --I started with Mr. Ligar, and reached Watawata, twenty miles from the Station, late at night.

March 13 --After Morning Service, and catechizing the Natives, we proceeded on our journey, and at nine o'clock at night reached the sea. We found that the Ngatihinetu, the Roman-Catholic party from Ngahuruhuru -- four miles from Otawao -- had just preceded us: they were going to visit their fishing-station on the coast, and to join the fight of the Waikato party. After our tents were put up, I had prayers with the boys. 1

March 14 --After Morning Prayers and breakfast, four hours' travelling brought us to a Native Settlement, where the Ngatihinetu had arrived. They were just erecting a white flag. I had an opportunity of speaking to the Chief of this party: he said he trusted the affair would be settled peaceably, if not, he should join Waikato.

We now crossed to the Wesleyan Mission Station, and were kindly welcomed by the Rev. J. Wallis. After dinner we crossed the harbour to the belligerent parties. The first Pa we visited belonged to Waikato. I stated the object of our visit, viz. to induce them to peace; and, at Mr. Ligar's request, I informed them that the Governor wished to purchase the land, in order to prevent bloodshed. I begged of them to accede to this proposition. They replied, that they would consider of it, and to-morrow give their final answer. We then had Evening Service. As these people were particularly under my charge, I felt it to be my duty to be very faithful with them, especially as they were in fault. I told them that many were baptized, and were trampling under foot their baptismal vows, and that they were doing wrong in the sight of God and man; that we, their Ministers, had always told them the truth--no one dare stand up and say we had not; they had had experience, painful experience, that the wages of sin, even as regards the body, was death: much more was it the death of the soul. Therefore, we their Missionaries blamed them; the Governor and all good men blamed them; the Church of God blamed them; and, above all, God the Holy Spirit was grieved, and blamed them. They all listened very attentively, and apparently many were ashamed. I knew a great many of them by name, especially the bad characters. This I find to be a great advantage, giving the Missionary much influence over them. After Evening Service, a badly-disposed Native named Nuru, who had been lately concerned in a murder, got up and said, "Oh, Ashwell! your words are very sharp: are we only to be blamed? Why don't you blame the other party?" I replied, "Because they are the aggrieved party: they have shewn much forbearance. You have killed their pigs, fired into their Pa, and a musket-ball all but struck one of their party the day before yesterday. What have you to say to that?" He was silent. At last Tepene, a Native Teacher, rose. He said, "The Chiefs are very angry at what you have said. Surely some of us also have shewn forbearance." I replied, "No, you have not. Hear me, ye Chiefs of Waikato! You are wrong, and if you persist, remember, your Minis-

ter has warned you. The words of Scripture are, The wages of sin is death." Mr. Ligar here got up, and addressed Tepene. "Are you a Teacher? Why are not your words like those of your Minister?" He replied, "I am afraid the young, obstinate, boasting Chiefs will be angry." I now said, "Tepene, we must speak the truth, and leave consequences to God." I was glad to find that he had done all he could to restrain the most forward Natives, but I fear his remaining with them has in some measure injured his own spirit After this, Mr. Wallis addressed the Natives, begging them to consider the proposal of the Governor. This they promised to do.

We then went to the other Pa, belonging to Wangaroa. They seemed to think that Waikato was not sincere. I was sorry to find that a few in the Pa had had recourse to a superstitious practice, in order to learn who among them would be killed in the impending conflict. The majority in the Pa were very angry at this circumstance.

March 15, 1850--After Morning Prayers the Waikato Natives informed us that they should not be able to decide upon the Governor's proposal till they had seen the Chief of Ngatihinetu. This man has embraced Popery, and a messenger was despatched to fetch him. I had already spoken to him, and our hopes were raised that the dispute would be settled amicably. Mr. Wallis arrived about noon, and we returned with him to his Station.

March 16 --We learnt that Kahawai, the Chief alluded to above, had arrived with 100 armed men. Another party had also arrived from Kaitotehe, 60 armed with muskets. I had had previous conversation with this party, who had assured Mr. Ligar and myself that it was not their intention to fight unless attacked. After breakfast we crossed to the Pa belonging to Waikato, and learnt that some young upstart Natives from the other Pa had thrown down some fencing belonging to Waikato, by which they were greatly provoked. Whilst Mr. Wallis was writing down the consent of the Chiefs that they would leave it with Te Werowero, the principal Chief of Waikato, and the Governor-in-Chief, Sir George Grey, to settle, I was engaged in endeavouring to pacify some young Chiefs, who were buckling on their cartouch boxes to attack the Pa at Wangaroa, having just heard of the fence being destroyed. Kepa, an influential Chief, accompanied me, and we had great difficulty in persuading them to defer the attack: in fact, Kepa said they would not listen, they were become obstinate.

The two parties who had joined Waikato had now arrived at the Pa. They had their war dance, and we counted 300 muskets. The Waikato party now addressed their allies. They seemed inclined to leave the matter to the Governor. Just at this juncture two musket-balls were fired from the Waikato Pa, and one from the brow of the hill just over the Wangaroa Pa. Fifty Natives rushed from the Pa, imagining it was an attack from Waikato, whilst a large party of Waikato ascended the brow of the hill from whence the bullet was fired. I accompanied them, whilst Mr. Wallis hastened to the Wangaroa Pa, three-quarters of a mile distant, in order to induce a party from that Pa to return. By a dexterous movement they had flanked the Waikato party. All was now confusion. Muskets were fired. Mr. Ligar was with another party, endeavouring to restrain them; and it pleased God, who alone can rule the unruly wills and affections of sinful men, contrary to our expectations to bless our efforts, and to prevent the two parties from coming to a collision. The desperate Chief Nuru said, "I care not for the Gospel, the Governor, nor Te Werowero. I will have my own will." There were several of like determination. Another Chief, Paringaringa, a few years ago deliberately put his musket to the breast of an European and pulled the trigger, but providentially it did not go off: he had also been concerned with Nuru, about two years ago, in murdering two Natives. Another young Chief, Kahemo, some years ago speared a Ngapuhi Native in the breast, and drank his blood before life was extinct. At this fight there was a band of such characters; therefore we must ascribe it to a Divine Influence alone that they were restrained. To God be all the glory for restraining as well as converting grace! Toward evening Waikato and their allies met together, and sent for Mr Ligar and myself to hear their determination, which was to this effect--that they would leave it to the Governor and Te Werowero to settle the dispute. The question was put to the whole body, "Do you agree to this?" Four hundred armed Natives answered, with one voice, "Yes, yes." The question was put a second time, and they

again gave their consent, Mr. Ligar giving the signal, we all gave three English cheers; after which the Natives assembled for Evening Prayers, and I trust I felt thankful.

Thus concluded our visit to Wangaroa. A kind and gracious Father had been better than all our fears, and exceeded our most sanguine hopes. If Te Werowero will be reasonable in his demands, and allow the Wangaroa Natives a part of the payment, all will be well. As he is a particular friend of the Governor's, there is every hope, with God's blessing, that this will be the case.

Our Boarding-School scholars, now thirty-four in number, seemed rejoiced to see me safe home again. My little band of Teachers, and some few of my people, with the School, are my joy and crown of rejoicing, much more so than crowded Congregations of mere nominal Christians. God's own chosen must and will be faithful, even unto death. From the above circumstances it will be seen that it is the Gospel, and nothing but the pure Gospel, that can save this people as a people. I would therefore respectfully urge my honoured fathers in the Gospel not to cease to send faithful men to this land, especially to assist the Venerable Archdeacon W. Williams and the Rev. R. Taylor in their immense districts. The Popish Bishop, accompanied by several priests and nuns, landed a fortnight since in Auckland. They will occupy these districts if we do not. Oh, do not let Popery, soul-destroying Popery, the cursed mystery of iniquity, rob us of our people! In conclusion, I would beg an interest in your prayers, that neither Popery nor war may prevail in this district or country. The quarrel cannot yet be said to be finally settled, till we know the result of the interview between Te Werowero and the Governor.

Brought, by the providence of God, to the close of another year, we would here erect our Ebenezer of praise for mercies past, and humbly pray for a continuance of His grace and blessing on our labours during the approaching year. We have many, very many mercies to record, and at the same time there are circumstances to humble us, and to lead us to God in earnest prayer. The joys of a Missionary are generally chequered with sorrow, teaching him to cease from man, whose breath is in his nostrils, and to trust in the Lord Jehovah, in whom alone is everlasting strength.

For the first three months and a-half of the year my time was spent as usual in Settlement duties, and in visiting the Natives living at the outposts, viz. Rangiawia, Te Raha, Kihikihi, Orakau, Pokuru, Wanake, Onematua, Mangapouri, and Puehunui. I also made several journeys, viz. to Maungatautari, Arowena, Ruahine, Rangitoto, Wawarua, and Wakatumutumu.

On the 12th of April I left Otawao for St. John's College, Auckland. After a residence of six weeks at St. John's, I was admitted by the Bishop of New Zealand to Deacons' Orders at St. Barnabas's Church, Auckland, on Lord's Day June the 24th.

In consequence of Mrs. Morgan's illness we did not reach Otawao on our return, till September the 13th. Since then my time has been spent as in the former part of the year, in establishing a Boarding School for native and half-caste children, and in endeavouring to advance the temporal and eternal interests of the Aborigines.

The general state of the district is satisfactory. In every village daily Morning and Evening Services and the Sabbath Services are regularly conducted; and Bible Classes are held--in some cases every night--in many of the villages. Although the Means of Grace are in general well attended, and the number of Baptisms and Communicants have been larger than in any former year since the establishment of the Station, there are in some of the villages a few whose love has waxed cold, and who either appear indifferent to the things of God, or who have openly disgraced their profession by an inconsistent walk. They are few in number, but still they are more than sufficient to remind us of the activity of the enemy of souls, and to urge us to greater diligence in exhorting those committed to our care to lay aside every weight, and the sin which most easily besets them. We deeply feel our need of a refreshing shower from above, that we may see that which above all things we most desire--not only an outward profession of Christ, and the attendance of a little flock at the

Lord's Table, but a deep-toned spirit of piety pervading every heart, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. During the past year 84 adults and 87 children--total 171--have been admitted into the Church by baptism; and 153 Communicants have assembled around the Lord's Table-In consequence of my visit to Auckland we were delayed in the opening of our Boarding School until the 1st of October. It now contains 23 half-caste boarders. These children are not boarded and clothed at the expense of the Church Missionary Society, but, in general, by their parents, or, in cases of poverty, by assistance obtained from my private friends. I have not yet received any native children into the School, for the following reasons --1. The new building intended as a dormitory is not completed, and consequently our School accommodation is very limited, the School-room being now used as a dormitory, dining-room, and School-room, and in wet weather as a kitchen also. 2. I am anxious to excite a spirit of emulation amongst the Natives in reference to the education of their children; and, having done so, to carry out the rule of the School, that every native parent shall contribute donations of food for the support of their children during the time they are in the School, except in cases where the children are sent from the distant out-posts. Many parents have expressed their readiness in this manner to keep down the expenses of the School.

His Excellency Sir G. Grey has manifested a very great interest in our School. In July last he requested the attendance of Te Werowero, the principal Chief of Waikato, at Government House, and requested him to make a free gift to the Church Missionary Society of a piece of land adjoining the Station, for the benefit of the School. The land was given up by Te Werowero, and the Governor now only waits its being surveyed to make a grant of it to the Society. His Excellency also, at the same time, offered to assist me in the purchase of a small flock of sheep, for the use and benefit of the School; and prior to his leaving Auckland, on his present journey south, he gave directions to his Private Secretary to purchase the same. During my stay in Auckland I obtained the sum of 50l. from the Government Education Fund, for the erection of a dormitory. The building will afford sleeping accommodation for fifty Boarders. I also obtained the sum of 59l. 12s. donations from friends in Auckland. This sum will be expended, partly in the purchase of sheep, in the purchase of a loom and spinning-wheels, and in the outfit and current expenses of the School for the past quarter. The account of its expenditure will be given in the present year's accounts.

Mrs. Morgan, assisted by Mrs. Vaile, of Auckland, has had charge of the School. Mrs. Vaile, wife of Mr. G. Vaile, architect, kindly volunteered her services for six months to assist us in the formation of the School.

The progress of civilization in the district is very satisfactory; and the desire for the erection of mills is very general in Waikato. In a former Report I mentioned the building of water-power flour-mills at Otawao, Rangiawia, and Maungatautari. The success, particularly of the Rangiawia mill, excited a general desire in Waikato for the erection of mills. One was built at the Rev. B. Ashwell's Station, at a cost of 330l., and another at the Wesleyan Station at Kawia, at a cost of 80l., not including native labour. Two other mills are now being built, one at Kirikiriroa, on the Waikato, and another at Mohoaonui, on the Waipa River. The cost of these two mills will be 500l., not including the value of native labour. Funds are also being collected for the erection of mills at Matamata, Onematua, Te Hitu, Watawata, and Kawia. I have, in this report of the mills, departed from what is strictly speaking my own district, to shew the improvement in the upper and middle part of Waikato. The Natives of the above places were excited by the success of the Rangiawia mill to use every effort to obtain equal advantages. The above places are all situated within fifty miles round Otawao.

Little change, during the past year, has taken place in my usual round of duties. I have been again permitted to spend four months in visiting through the Archdeaconry; and when at home have

been much occupied in imparting religious instruction to Candidates for Baptism and the Lord's Supper. The Sabbath Services and two week-day Lectures have been carried on at the Station and Otumoetai Pa. I have also been enabled, with considerable regularity, to continue my class of Scripture Readers on three evenings of the week; and, during the greater portion of the year, to devote the Saturday evenings to instructing our Native Teacher in the subjects upon which he had to address his countrymen on the Sabbath. I have baptized, in various parts of the Archdeaconry, 300 Natives, i. e. 183 adults and 117 children; and administered the Lord's Supper to more than 500 Communicants. There has been an improvement during the year in the numbers attending Divine Service and the Sabbath Schools; and the returns of Baptisms and Communicants shew also a slight increase. The daily Girls' School at the Station has continued in charge of Miss Baker, and the Sabbath School has been taken, on alternate Sundays, by Mrs. Davies and Miss Baker. A large proportion of the adults baptized in the Tauranga District has consisted of old men and women, who have been many years under instruction; and it is a pleasing fact, that, of the old Chiefs who were principal actors during the southern war, there are but few who have not declared themselves on the Lord's side.

This short statement shews abundant reason for gratitude and praise to the Lord of the harvest; but there is another view of the subject which calls forth much anxiety. This goodly work, humanly speaking, can only be carried on in future years through the instrumentality of efficient Native Teachers. The present race, with few exceptions, possess sufficient knowledge to make them proud, but not enough to make them humble. They need that one teach them again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and, as we are almost destitute of Schools worthy the name, a seed-plot has yet to be sown, in order to the production of properly-qualified Teachers. In the interim, the Natives will be exposed to two great enemies; first, the evils attendant on a transition state, through which, at present, they have only so far passed as to exchange a civilized barbarism for a barbarous civilization; and, secondly, the simplicity of their faith will be assailed, if not undermined, by the Roman-Catholic Priests, who, with a zeal worthy a better cause, are incessantly preaching among the Natives another Gospel pointing them to a material cross in place of that in which St. Paul gloried; drawing them to gods many and lords many, from the one Mediator between God and man; teaching them for doctrines the commandments of men; dogmatically asserting the opus operatum of the Sacraments as conveying salvation, and thus leading them to think lightly of repentance, faith, and obedience, as well as the influences of that blessed Spirit, without whose assistance no man can call Christ Lord, or be made meet to be partaker of the inheritance of the saints in light.

Jan. 12, 1849 --We reached Maungatautari, after a hard walk of nine hours from the Waihou River. The Natives had just assembled for Evening Service at Wareturere. I went to the Chapel, and addressed them. There was a good Congregation assembled, though they were not expecting me--a marked improvement on the number attending daily worship last year. After Service we went on to Te Wera a te Atua. I found a party of Natives in the Pa, assembled around a blazing fire for the purpose of being examined by their Native Teacher on Scriptural subjects--another pleasing feature; for these evening meetings after the labours of the day were, I believe, in past years, much blessed to their growth in grace; and a marked declension was manifested among them from the period of their being discontinued, which commenced with their frequent visits to Auckland for the purposes of barter.

Jan. 13 --Engaged seven hours in examining nine classes of baptismal Candidates and two of Communicants. I chose 11 for baptism, and left 27 for further instruction. A very general desire for baptism is spreading amongst them. It may pass away as the morning cloud and the early dew, or it may prove the deep abiding work of the Holy Spirit: we must patiently and prayerfully await the result. I addressed the Natives at Evening Service. This tribe are purposing to erect a weather-boarded Chapel, to which I have promised assistance.

Jan. 14: Sunday --There were more

than 300 at Service, and nearly 300 at School: 70 readers in the New Testament. Two classes of children, 50 in number, I found very interesting. They are instructed daily by the wife of Hohaia, the Native Teacher. I baptized 11 adults at the Morning Service and 11 infants at the Evening Service, and administered the Lord's Supper to 31 Natives, of whom 10 had not before partaken of these memorials of a Saviour's love.

Jan. l 5, 1849 --After Morning Service we left for Potaka, a walk of twenty-five miles. Instead of being laden, as usual, with potatos as provision for our journey, the Natives who accompanied me from Maungatautari had a large supply of wholesome home-baked bread, for they have become of late practical farmers, millers, and bakers, on a very extensive scale. The Natives have named their Pa Samaria. I preached from Acts viii. 15. The secret of whatever success has attended the labours of Missionaries in New Zealand consists in this, that they have preached Christ.

Jan. 19 --Occupied for seven hours in the examination of the baptismal Candidates at Matamata. I passed 31, principally old women who had been for many years under instruction. Their knowledge of the Catechism, and of the principal doctrines of Christianity, prove great diligence on their parts, and patient perseverance on the side of the Native Teacher. I addressed the Natives at Evening Service, when 300 were present. There is a decided improvement during the past 12 months; all the principal Chiefs urging their claims to be baptized, and much dissatisfaction expressed by those whose baptism I feel obliged to defer until they are more fully instructed in the things which accompany salvation.

Jan. 21: Sunday --I baptized 45 adults in the morning and 5 infants at the Evening Service, and administered the Lord's Supper to 42 Communicants. There were 350 at Service, and 220 attended School, of whom one half read in the New Testament. I took a class of 10 old Chiefs, who are Candidates for Baptism, and wag much pleased with their examination. At the close of the School the classes were drawn up in a compact body, and examined by three Native Teachers in the subject of the morning's sermon, their account of which was remarkably correct.