RECENT INTELLIGENCE. NEW ZEALAND.
[Image of page i]
NEW ZEALAND.
We have much pleasure in announcing the arrival at Wanganui, Aug. 8, 1856, of the Rev. R. Taylor, with the native chief Hoani Wiremu, or John Williams, who accompanied him to England Mr. Taylor was welcomed by a deputation, bearing a congratulatory address from the inhabitants of Wanganui; and the natives, on his landing, hailed him with a loud "Haere mai!" ("Come hither;" the native salutation), all being drawn up on the beach to receive him.
Mr. Taylor found much to discourage him. "There is," he says, "a remarkable feeling of apathy in the parents towards their children. In fact, there is such a degree of independence in the native character, that the parent has very little control over his child; and if he attempt to exercise any.
[Image of page ii]
some relative is sure to interfere, and take it away." In this manner the school dwindled away during Mr. Taylor's absence. The church had fallen into ruins, the effect of the earthquake of 1855, and the pathway was quite grown up; and in an out-station the Roman Catholics had wiled away some of the flock. Yet, amidst these disheartening circumstances, "there is," adds Mr. Taylor, "more to encourage us, and faith bids us persevere. There are many sincere Christians, and others, who, though apathetic, are still living more consistently than many of our own countrymen."
"John Williams," says Mr. Taylor, "had a most enthusiastic reception from his tribe. He has conducted himself with great propriety since his return, and has gained the esteem of both races. I feel assured that his visit to England will prove a blessing to the natives. He has seen much, and has a very reflecting mind, which will enable him to draw much good from what he has seen,"
We have already (p. 4) reported Mr. Booth's arrival in New Zealand. His reception at Pipiriki appears to have been very enthusiastic. Mrs. Booth writes, Aug. 5, 1856-- "We were very kindly treated at the different stopping-places on the river; but when we at last reached Pipiriki, we received a welcome which outshone all the other welcomes put together. Before we came in sight of the pa the natives had got intelligence of our coming from the cheering of the natives in our canoes; and as soon as we came in sight of the pa we found the right bank of the river thronged with natives, who made the hills re-echo with their shouts of welcome. It did not take many minutes to carry up the greater part of our things, as all set to in right earnest. The natives have been exceedingly kind to us ever since we came here. When we had been here about a month, all the natives joined in making us a present of seventy baskets of potatos, five or six baskets of kumeras, one of Indian corn, and three pigs. This place has more of the appearance of an English village than any we have yet seen."
