1974 - Williams, W. The Turanga Journals - 1842 Letters and Journals, p 195-236

       
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  1974 - Williams, W. The Turanga Journals - 1842 Letters and Journals, p 195-236
 
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1842

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1842

Station duties--James Stack joins the Eastern District--journey to Wairoa--voyage with family to Bay of Islands--Bishop Selwyn arrives --return to Poverty Bay--the Stacks and Dudleys also at Turanga-- journey to Ahuriri to accompany Selwyn and Judge Martin to Turanga --Dudley's illness.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS JOURNAL TO THE C.M.S.

January 6. Examined 102 candidates from Ngatikaipoho of whom 45 have passed for baptism. Out of the large body of natives who have been set apart for admission into the church, there are none who have not made a profession of Christianity for some time, and very few who have not been on the list of candidates for twelve months. They have with great regularity attended their appointed classes, and have shown by the nature of the answers generally given that they profess at least a considerable degree of head knowledge.

January 10. Natives came as usual to know when they might come again to talk, and many too of those who have been baptized, showing that they have no will to leave off now they have obtained this object of their pursuit. I am obliged to tell them that the next fortnight I must take for my own affairs, as they have engrossed all my time for many weeks. Conversed with some of the teachers relative to future movements. One is just returned from a branch of the Wairoa river where he has been to explore a field of labour and reports favorably of his reception.

January 12. Mr. Stack arrived by way of Opotiki having been appointed by the Committee of the Southern District to the Eastern Coast. His object is now to make arrangements about the removal of his family. We spent the day in conversation about the mission.

January 22. A large party from Table Cape for books, among them are several more of the priests followers who continue to come over from day to day.

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WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO ALFRED BROWN Turanga 20 January 1842

Mr. Stack's visit and the object of it have been most welcome, and it behoves me to express to the members of the southern district my high sense of their consideration for me. The removal of Mr. Stack from your station will be seriously felt, particularly as you and he have laboured together with comfort and unity of feeling. But his loss I doubt not will be abundantly made up to you in due time, and in the mean season I pray that you may receive strength according to your need. Mr. Stack is now proceeding to Waiapu where he will fix upon the site for his house and leave the necessary directions and thence proceed to Tauranga by way of the coast. I have recommended him to use all expedition in packing up his goods and take the earliest opportunity of bringing them round. The chief part of them with his cattle will be landed at Waiapu, but it is proposed that Mrs Stack shall for the present take up her abode with us until things are made more comfortable at their station. . . .

I am very thankful to hear that there is a prospect also of assistance from England, and this encourages me to speak of a subject [which] has for some time been upon my mind but which I could only contemplate at an extreme distance. I mean the education of our children. You put forth a feeler when we were talking of this matter in your garden last year but I did not venture to speak but now I can go so far as to say that if there should be a suitable person come this way and he were willing, I should propose that he take charge of a certain number, and while I could not again become the schoolmaster I should willingly give assistance to another who had this charge. How should you be disposed to pay on private account in case a suitable person married were met with, and I doubt not there are many who would be glad of the chance among the settlers, well educated young men who are disappointed in their prospects. In that case I should erect a raupo house near my own which would cost but little, but it would be needful to provide an income.

A. N. BROWN PAPERS MICRO MS (ATL)


WILLIAM WILLIAMS JOURNAL TO THE C.M.S.

[February 1-9 and 15-28 routine station duties.]

February 12. Candidates from Te Wanauakai 24 and from Ngaitahupo 107. In the afternoon assembled the candidates for the Lords Supper in the church and spoke to them on the subject of that ordinance. It does not appear that there are many of those who have been admitted into the church who will be shut out on account of inconsistency. With few exceptions all are regular attendants on the means of grace and are correct in their general conduct.

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MARCH 1842

February 13. Sunday. At morning native service more than 1000 were present. Administered the Lords Supper to 162 communicants, the natives recently baptized being spectators. At native evening service baptized 28 children from Patutahi.

February 14. Married 27 couple from Patutahi & Turanganui and read with a Bible Class of 55. Administered medicine to many sick.

[March 1-4 routine station duties.]

March 5. Catechized 79 candidates from Ngaitahupo and read with a Bible Class of 26. This tribe is now in the neighbourhood, having come to convey a large quantity of dried fish and other food, which is a present made to the natives of this part of Turanga. This is a practice which has nearly expired, and it is said this is to be the last; not that there is any superstitious or objectionable practices accompanying these feasts. But there is a great waste of food of which the evil effects are much felt as the season advances.

March 9. Catechized 25 natives from Pakarae and then went with my family to see the natives assembled at the feast. There was a large concourse of people, and it was really a grateful reflection that I was well acquainted with three out of four being either christians or candidates for baptism.

March 15. Set out on a journey to Wairoa and reached Taikawakawa after dark.

March 16. Addressed the natives in the chapel at morning prayers, and catechized three classes of candidates for baptism amounting to 127, among whom were several for the first time. Left at noon in a canoe but the wind obliged us to go on shore at Wareongaonga, from whence we went on to Paritu.

March 17. The meaning of Paritu is a standing precipice and the country will agree with its name. Our road was partly by the hills overhanging the sea and partly on the shore over rough stones, and yet it is over this bad road that a part of my candidates travel regularly once a fortnight. By making a hard push we reached Temahanga an hour after dark.

March 18. Addressed the natives at morning prayers and afterwards catechized 35 candidates. Visited a sick woman who lately was among the followers of the Popish priest. A short time ago he came to see her, and wished to baptize her as the only means of doing her good. This was declined and our native teacher told him that she did not require his attendance now for that she had joined the missionaries. He replied that they were treating her as a dog, but that if they would allow him to baptize her all would be right. Finding his efforts of no avail he walked off, the teacher telling him never to come that way again. We heard of the sudden death of a chief named Waikopiro at Table Cape.

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He had lately begun to attend upon our services, and his death has produced a great sensation. Some of his people say, cast aside the "Karakia" but Hapuku who was at Turanga on the 8th tells them to keep on, though I believe him to be wholly destitute of any right feeling.

March 19. Proceeded to Nukutaurua, and on the way fell in with the party assembled round the dead chief. I thought it well to turn aside to them and give them a word by the way. After the tents were pitched I proceeded to the chapel with the christian natives, and spoke to them on the subject of the Lords Supper.

March 20. Sunday. At native service in the morning about 600 natives were present, and at the Lords Supper there were 98 communicants including some of our own party. Held English service with about 10 Europeans 1 and baptized one child. Went in the afternoon to visit some sick natives, and then held native service with a congregation of about 400. We have much reason to be thankful that the Popish Priest is losing ground. I recognise several of his followers in our congregation and among the candidates for baptism.

March [21] Married 34 couple of christian natives whose banns had been previously published. Went to visit sick natives and then proceeded to the funeral of Waikopiro. His nephew a fine young man and a christian is anxious to have him buried, but there are several who wish to dispose of the body according to their old custom. There was a large assembly of people, and the scene was truly a novel one. The coffin was placed near the grave covered with a red blanket, and several women were pouring out their lamentations by the side of it. This seemed to suffice for the whole party, and very soon a more interesting occupation excited the attention of the greater number which was the introduction of a large quantity of cooked food. Then followed several speeches not relating much to the deceased, but for the most part to a report just arrived of the approach of a hostile party from Waikato. At length a movement was made towards the grave when all parties behaved reverently and most joined in singing a hymn after which I addressed to them a few words on the event which had taken place.

March 22. Married eleven couple of the christian natives, and during the remainder of the day was engaged with 143 candidates and with a Bible Class of 92 christian natives.

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MARCH 1842

March 23. Set out for Nuhaka which we reached at four in the afternoon having to travel part of the time in a heavy rain. Addressed the natives at evening service.

March 24. Married 17 couple of christian natives, and catechized two classes of candidates amounting to 90 and read with a Bible Class of 68 whom I afterwards addressed on the subject of the Lords Supper. At evening prayer spoke to the natives respecting the events of this evening, the time of our blessed Saviours agonizing passion.

March 25. Good Friday. Assembled at morning services upward of 200 natives, to whom I spoke on the subject of the crucifiction and afterwards administered the Lords Supper to 66 communicants. There being two Europeans in the pa we had an English Service, and then I proceeded to Wakaki, leaving the natives to follow in the morning with the baggage. Held evening service in a small chapel with a congregation of about 50.

March 26. Conversed with 36 candidates for baptism and married 4 couple, and being anxious to spend the sabbath at Wairoa we hastened onward, but were soon overtaken by rain which continued without intermission for four hours, until we reached Wairoa where we were glad to take shelter in the house which has been erected for the first missionary who may arrive. The natives here are keeping up their profession, but there is much need of some one to keep them under better discipline. Soon after our arrival several chiefs came to greet us, and made their speeches according to native etiquette, the general tenour of which was to urge me to baptize the candidates for baptism which I had previously determined not to do but to leave them to make further advances in christian knowledge. I apprehended some little difficulty because some of the teachers had taken up the idea that there was to be a baptism and had told the people so. All however passed off without difficulty though several were much disappointed.

March 27. Sunday. Much rain fell in the night and still continues, but it moderated sufficiently to allow of morning service. About 600 were present but nothing like the number we might have had if the weather had been fine. The greater number of those present are from the distant villages and are staying in houses in the immediate neighbourhood. The roof of the building was so leaky that there was a continual dripping upon the people, but their close contact kept them warm. At noon six Europeans 2 made their appearance for service which I held

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under cover of my tent. The christian natives afterwards assembled in the chapel to meet me in conversation respecting the Lords Supper. At this time the wind had increased to such violence that the building was no longer safe; every post and rafter bending under the violence of the gusts, and for the little time we remained together, we had to take our station close to the doors ready for a rush out. The state of the christians I cannot judge of but I am sure they much need that care which a resident pastor alone can afford them. In districts left under the charge of the native teachers, there is too much disposition in the converts to remain satisfied with the attainments they have made, and hence instead of progress there is a tendency to go backward.

March 28. Administered the Sacrament of the Lords Supper to seventy communicants and spent the remainder of the day in catechizing four classes of candidates amounting in number to 187.

March 29. Married 28 couple of the baptized natives whose banns had been previously published, and at noon set out on my return, and walked as far as Wakaki.

March 30. Left for Nuhaka at daylight and went on thence to the woods where we were overtaken by a heavy rain and had to take shelter in a temporary hut which the natives put up. The rain continued through the night but our shelter was sufficient for us.

March 31. The weather cleared and we continued our route without intermission through the woods and reached Tarewa at sunset.

April 1. Left before breakfast and reached home at three oclock in the afternoon.

April 4. News of a vessel being in the Bay and shortly afterwards Mr. Stack made his appearance 3 with letters from the Columbine which decided me to proceed to the Bay of Islands; it being the wish of many members of the mission to hold a meeting relative to the general affairs of the mission.

April 5. Embarked with my family in the Columbine and after a very tedious passage reached Paihia on the 27th.

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MAY 1842

WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO ALFRED BROWN Paihia 5 May 1842

Two communications have been received stating that our Bishop proposes to visit Paihia before he goes to Auckland in order to have as early an interview as possible with the missionaries, and there is every reason to expect him daily. . . .

Now as to practicability. Cannot you & Mr. Chapman & Mrs B. & Mrs C. come up, ... ? Mr. Maunsell could I believe more readily move, having Mr. Ashwell on the spot. There is more than ever a case for a committee . . . There are two weighty points . . . The farm is still held on 'by the slack' 4 & the school also. 5 Then there is Mr. Burrows 6 etc etc etc. These points will not be settled according to tatou 7 liking unless we can have our say in the matter. I wish also to make some arrangements about our children's education. This is just the very point of time before the bishop [comes] for us to arrange & to make smooth what will have to be done for us. I expect to remain here for some little time and shall be most thankful if I am able to see this business settled before I return to my retirement.

A. N. BROWN PAPERS MICRO MS (ATL)


JANE WILLIAMS TO CHARLOTTE BROWN Paihia 5 May 1842

We were very thankful to find all our dear relatives well but poor Mrs Williams, (who is you know of a very excitable nature) has been very poorly since, and tho' she is better she is by no means well. We found Mr. Clarke here and also Mr. Kemp, and it was proposed that the holidays should for once be anticipated. 8 Mr. Kemp took the schoolgirls back with them and so made a little room for our numerous party. It was a very fortunate or rather a very providential arrangement, for

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Mrs. W. has been too poorly to attend to any of her active duties. Dear Jane 9 we think much improved both in person and manner as well as in other things. The children are all much grown but particularly Sarah 10 who is very tall and bids fair to be a fine young woman. She is a very nice girl. Marianne 11 was not looking well when we arrived having had much fatigue and painful excitement the preceding week. Poor Mrs. Burrows has just lost a sweet baby 3 weeks old whose sufferings were very great and Marianne was with her at the time of its removal. She is looking herself again this week, and she and I are proposing to pay the young gentlemen a visit next week at Pakaraka. I have not seen any of the Waimate friends yet . . . Poor Mrs. B.[aker] I hear from all quarters lives in a greater muddle than ever, and is more helpless . . . It is a great mercy that there should be an opening for poor Sophia and I hope you will find her a comfort to you .... I suppose you know that one of Mrs. Clarke's sisters, (the unmarried one) is keeping house at Waimate for her nephews and a young farmer who came from England with them--rather a droll arrangement it appears to me. Mary Clarke is to be her Aunt's companion & has consequently left school, a movement which I fear is not calculated to promote her improvement.

We see many alterations here and some few improvements but not many.

A. N. BROWN PAPERS MICRO MS (ATL)


WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO C.M.S. Paihia 9 May 1842

You will notice that I date this letter from Paihia. . . . The object of my visit is the accomplishment of the Society's wishes relative to a general committee. The Columbine is now gone in quest of a proportion of members from the Southern District, but so many are the difficulties in the way of a general assembly, that we know not yet what is likely to be accomplished....

[Lists former missionaries who have disconnected themselves from the mission and adds:]

Such is the diminution we have had from our ranks within a short period of time. But this is not all. Of those who remain, there are many in positions where great activity is required who might, were they so disposed, claim the privilege of returning home as invalids. Of these are Mr. Brown, whose affliction in the eyes may not improbably end in blindness. Mr. Chapman whose frequent attacks of chronic rheumatism with other complaints much cripple his movements. Mr. Hadfield a confirmed asthmatic subject, a walking spectre, but with a mind as vigorous as the concentrated energies of three or four ordinary mis-

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JUNE 1842

sionaries, and Mr. Burrows who shews strong symptoms of consumption

I am sending home to Professor Buckland of Oxford, a box of bones, which though not missionary curiosities, will excite no ordinary interest among the curious. They are the bones of a gigantic bird, which there is reason to believe is still in existence on the middle island. The bones I send give the height of upwards of six feet to the lower extremity of the back at root of the tail, and the probable height of the whole creature not less than sixteen feet. The bones are left at Dr Buckland's disposal who will no doubt place them where they will be most accessible to the public. 12


WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO CATHERINE HEATHCOTE Paihia 24 June 1842

We are now forming a writing party in Henry's home consisting of Henry, Jane & Bishop Selwyn, from which latter name you may gather that his Lordship has duly arrived amongst us, 13 It is about a month ago that the bishop reached Auckland leaving Mrs Selwyn in New South Wales with the rest of their party because their vessel had sustained damage from the rocks of Sydney. The bishop during his stay at the Thames went up the frith to visit the natives as far as his time would allow; and we were duly informed that in a few days he would be at the Bay of Islands. However one evening he took us all by surprise, for though a vessel was in the offing it was of a different description to the one we had reason to expect, and his boat was on shore before we had any intimation having been pulled the distance of twenty miles by his chaplain and a native boy. His Lordship was soon at home with us all and the difference of our respective stations does not occasion any reserve, for his manners are so pleasing and so exactly all we could wish that restraint was in a great measure removed. He has now been with us four days and during the time has been most actively employed in enquiring into the general state of things, not as one placed in authority, but simply with a view to ascertain what is best to be done. Among other subjects of great interest to him is the state of our school for English children which through neglect has fallen into a sad condition. This it is likely he will remodel, placing it in different hands and making it of such a character that it will become an establishment to which respectable settlers generally will be glad to send their children. 14 This to me will be a great relief as it will insure that for my children which they could not otherwise procure. It will also prepare the way for the

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admission of some of the children of the missionaries who may be disposed to the work by the influence of God's Holy Spirit to enter hereafter into the missionary field.

This morning the bishop's heart was gladdened by the sight of the vessel entering the harbour which contained Mrs Selwyn and the rest of the party, 15 and I accompanied him on board. The company of chaplains is not very strong hardly sufficient for the present exigencies, but we receive two missionaries Messrs Dudley & Reay, both clergymen in addition to whom Mr. Kissling and Mr. Spencer 16 had arrived by another vessel direct from England. Of this reinforcement I shall I fear receive only Mr. & Mrs. Dudley who may be placed probably at Wairoa. A second was to have joined me but having received Mr. Stack from Tauranga I could not in conscience take another as the stations along the Bay of Plenty are in rather a weak state.

We have now been a long time from our station . . . But we have the satisfaction of meeting the bishop and our missionary friends which is an ample compensation to say nothing of the privilege of meeting Henry's family. But the importance of having conference with the bishop is the greatest point of all. It will still be about five weeks before we shall be able to return, but then we shall hope to take with us our fellow helper in the work. It is a great blessing for New Zealand that such a man as the bishop is appointed to this high office, he seems to have so much at heart the well being of the natives, and there are many others too, high in station who are also well wishers to them, so that it seems all will be overruled for the furtherance of the gospel.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)


WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO C.M.S. Paihia 27 July 1842

Since I last wrote to you on May 9th, I have been of necessity detained at this place. The immediate object for which I visited the Bay of Islands, namely, that of attending a general meeting of the Missionaries of the Northern and Southern Districts, has failed, owing to the absence of the southern members, but I have had much reason to be satisfied that the voyage was taken.

Much of my time has been taken up in preparing for the press a Dictionary of the New Zealand language, which has been compiled for

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JULY 1842

some years. The work has of late been much called for, and it is presumed that it will be consistent with the views of the Society to have it printed at the Mission Press. 17

The arrival of the Bishop of New Zealand has been hailed with much satisfaction by every member of the Mission and by the public in general. The Bishop was staying for a fortnight in my brother's home at Paihia . . . You will be pleased to learn that our impressions are of the most favourable character. It seems to be his lordships wish to carry out the views of the Society to the greatest extent, and we trust that new vigour will be given to our movements throughout the whole island by his presence. His Lordship shews most decidedly that the welfare of the natives both temporal and spiritual is near his heart; and in order to qualify himself for holding direct communication with them, he has applied with so much assiduity to the study of the language during his passage from England, that he is already able to converse with some degree of fluency.. . .

It is likely that from among the Catechists there will be several candidates for ordination, but some may probably be disappointed in the attainment of all they may expect. The examination that will be required for Deacon's orders will be within the reach of most, but none will be admitted to Priest's orders, who do not obtain a knowledge of the Greek Testament. However though many may stop short at the first step, the efficiency of the Societys labourers will be much increased. ...

It may not be out of place to mention that among other arrangements made by the Bishop, there are two which shew decidedly his Lordship's good feeling towards the Mission. He has nominated my brother his Commissary for the District connected with the Bay of Islands, 18 and he has given me the appointment of Archdeacon of the East Cape; the Archdeaconry extending from the 176 degree of Longitude eastward and therefore including Tauranga, Rotorua & Taupo.

You will receive an offer of service from a Mr. Christopher Davis, 19 a surgeon now practising at Kororareka, and a brother to Dr. Davis a physician in good practice at Auckland. Mr. Davis is a man of devoted piety, and has I believe a good number of references among the friends of the Society in Cork. He is young and received a liberal education, and his medical prospects here are good; but his desire is to be engaged in the immediate service of his Divine Master. If the Society is pleased to receive this application, I would suggest that he should occupy a

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position perhaps at the East Cape, in connexion with Mr. Stack, where there is a large population out of reach of medical assistance. Mr. Davis has had an interview with the Bishop, who was pleased to say that if his application was approved by the Society, he would receive him as a candidate for ordination, and recommended him in the meantime to prosecute his studies as his opportunities might serve him.


WILLIAM WILLIAMS JOURNAL TO THE C.M.S.

August 11. Left Paihia accompanied by Mr. & Mrs. Dudley and embarked in the Columbine for Poverty Bay which we reached on the 15th.

August 16. Went on shore and were heartily welcomed by the Rev. R. Burrows and the natives who were there to receive us. Mr. Burrows came down a few weeks ago for the benefit of his health. At our own house were warmly greeted by Mr. & Mrs. Stack, who had removed hither from Tauranga previously to their being settled at Waiapu.

August 30. Began to reassemble the classes. Catechized 77 candidates from Toanga & Mr. Burrows read with a Bible Class of 45.


JANE WILLIAMS JOURNAL 20

August 17. Wednesday. Unpacking such of the boxes as had arrived, and endeavouring to get a little straight, but much interrupted by the natives who of course came flocking to see their matuas. 21 Mr & Mrs Dudley & Jane took a walk in the afternoon.

August 18. Thursday. Finding the canoes would not arrive before evening, I set to work to clear the pantry of all its superfluous contents, and had a thorough day of setting to rights in the household department.

August 19. Friday. Unpacking and turning out drawers, boxes etc. Many natives about & much interrupted by my old friends. Arranged with Ani Patene that she should keep on having school at the pa till the weather which is excessively cold, change for the better. Sat down to write in the evening but little Pussy 22 as usual got up as soon as I had written the date. Poor Meri came to see me and brought her baby so the rest of the evening was spent in talking and condoling with her: she gave us a very satisfactory account of her poor husband's state of mind previous to his removal.

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AUGUST 1842

August 20. Saturday. A day of raruraru, 23 cooking for our numerous family, and trying to get the house a little comfortable for Sunday, but our work not completed till long after dark.

August 21. Sunday. Quite a new sight at Turanga--three clergymen at both native & English services. Mr Dudley officiated at the latter. A pakeha congregation of 27 including our own party. Mr Burrows read prayers in native both morning & afternoon, and gave us an exposition at our evening service.

August 22. Monday. James's birthday. Began to have regular school for the children. Mrs Stack taking the first turn. My own time spent in a very unsatisfactory manner, gadding about all day but getting nothing done. Evening spent in writing.

August 23. Tuesday. Mrs Dudley kept school with the children, and Mrs Stack kindly undertook to attend to domestic affairs to enable me to write, but feeling much indisposed, I was only able to finish my letter to Aunt Kate. Went afterwards to Wakato with Mrs D. but could only inspect the new building thro' the windows.

August 24. Wednesday. Poor Mr Burrows almost out of patience at Columbine's non-appearance, but he bears his troubles with as much philosophy as we can expect. We have no signals to tantalize him which I am disposed to think a great advantage. All the four gentlemen hard at work in the garden. Jane at school. Mrs Stack's youngest child very ill with influenza. My own day passed as on Monday in going about and getting nothing done.

August 25. Thursday. Unpacking boxes that had been left at home, and arranging their contents occupied me from the end of breakfast till after dark. Too much fatigued at night even to write. Jane kept school. 24 Mrs Stack's little girl still very ill. Mr & Mrs Dudley still indefatigably employed in unpacking, airing and re-packing their things. Mrs Ellis called in the morning and spoke about her little girl being baptized on Sunday.

[Entry by Jane--daughter]

Mother busy unpacking and arranging boxes to go up to Wakato to the new building. Mr Burrows unwell.

August 26. Friday. A thorough day of cooking, cleaning etc. Writing occupied my evening. Mrs Dudley, Mrs Stack & Jane sewed the ceiling to be ready for Mr Burrows who has been busy all day preparing laths for it.

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[Entry by Jane]

I took the children directly after breakfast. As soon as I had done I helped Mother and Mrs Stack who were busy cooking. We had a thorough messing day.

August 27. Saturday. Mr Burrows hard at work nailing up the calico ceiling in the midst of which he was well nigh suffocated by a native setting to in good earnest to sweep the chimney without any previous intimation. When our party assembled in the evening, every one was charmed with the effect of Mr B's handiwork, which will be a memorial of him as long as the house lasts.

[Entry by Jane]

Father and Mr Dudley went to work at Wakato. Candied the orange peel. 25 The girls began cleaning in good time. I cleared the study out which when cleaned looked somewhat tidier than before. Mrs Dudley went early to bed being rather unwell.

August 28. Sunday. Mr Stack and Mr Burrows went to Paokahu and Werowero. Mr Dudley had English service at which were 15 besides our own party. Among them was a smart lady in a blue satin bonnet with flowers under it, with whom I was not acquainted. Mrs Ellis's baby was baptized. William took native service and then went to Toanga. Being too cold to go to school, the first class came to me and Mrs S. took the little children. Heard that Columbine is at Turanganui, which was confirmed when Mr B. & Mr S. returned. Mr Burrows expounded in the evening.

August 29. Monday. Endeavouring to write but continually hindered. Capt. Stratton arrived just before dinner and Mr Harris came down when we had half done. Looked up the things to send to Paihia but could not procure a box for them. William occupied with natives from Toanga and Mr Burrows took a reading class of forty five.

August 30. Tuesday. First thing after breakfast a long talk about Renata & Katerina and a consultation about her going with her brother which was at last decided upon. Providing for her and her child, and for Meri's little boy Hemi, who is consigned to the care of Rihara Ngaro who is going to take him to Wairoa, gave me employment for a good part of the morning. Ani Patene and Wikitoria came to have a committee about some falsehood that had been uttered about the former, and were quite offended at my not attending to them and telling them they must come when Columbine was gone. Kate very poorly which hindered us greatly in our writing and packing.

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AUGUST 1842

August 31. Wednesday. Mr Burrows all impatience to be gone, but I could not pack my things till my husband provided me with a box. Sealed up my letters in a great hurry, Mr B. being in a very excusable fidget. In the midst of our confusion a wahine pakeha 26 came who had offered to do needle-work of any description--dressmaking, baby linen or tayloring, nothing was too difficult for her. I was very glad to try her services in the last mentioned branch of her profession and as soon as the canoe was gone, looked out some trowsers for her to alter which are not wearable in their present state. Dear little Kate very poorly all day.

[Entry by Jane]

We were all in a great bustle packing the box & finishing our letters for Paihia. Mr B. was quite fidgety to be off. Mr Dudley and Mr Stack went down to Werowero--they came back very tired.

JANE WILLIAMS MS (ATL)


JANE WILLIAMS TO CATHERINE HEATHCOTE Turanga 19 August 1842

We left dear Marianne in rather better health than she had been but I am sorry to say she is by no means strong and her duties are far too heavy. We have urged her to give up the English girls' school .... The situation of Paihia and Henry's influence and standing in the mission bring them much unavoidable company, which in addition to her missionary duties is quite as much and often more than Marianne is equal to, so that I look upon it as a duty she owes to her husband and family to withdraw from the school which may be now given up or provided for by other members of the mission. Our niece's prospects are good, her choice having fallen upon one who we trust will prove worthy of her. 27 We have seen a good deal of the young man during the last four months, and were much pleased with him before there was any idea of his being connected with the family. He is a very decided character and clever in his profession. He at present practises as a surgeon at Kororareka, but we hope will be received by the Society at home and employed in missionary work ere long, and it is not unlikely that he will receive ordination from our Bishop. If all things go on well, they will probably be married in the course of the summer, and if circumstances allow such a plan, they may perhaps pay us a visit and bring Mary home.

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Mrs Dudley being here will be I hope an advantage to Jane in the meantime, as she will prevent her feeling the loneliness of being without her brothers and sister, and the society of such a well educated christian as Mrs D. is cannot fail to be improving to a right-minded girl as I hope I may consider dear Jane. Mrs Stack and her family are likely to be here another six weeks or two months as the weather is not yet warm enough for an overland journey. Their being here during our absence has been a fortunate or rather a very providential circumstance for our poor natives, as Mr S. is very attentive to the sick, and the winter is always a trying season to natives. 28 They are now very anxious for medicine and English food when they are ill and will sometimes ask for physic for fear they should be so. We have of course been in thorough confusion ever since we got home but we are beginning to get a little settled and comfortable. I miss the boys very much having never been without one or other of them. 29 I hope however it will prove to be for their advantage. Mary and Jane are very anxious that I should ask Aunt Kate to procure them a supply of German wool, 30 or whatever may be the proper name nowadays, and as they have no society here and very little variety of incident to amuse, I am willing to supply them with any innocent recreation, so long as it does not encroach upon more important avocations. Will you therefore procure for me a small stock of this wool, canvas and every requisite material for such worsted work and please let them be sent in Maria's next box.....We received neither letters nor parcels by the Bishop. The box to Marianne from Edward and Lydia sent to his Lordships care did not come to light till the week before we left . . . please to receive also the thanks of your little nephew and niece for their amusing books, and of your tall nieces Mary & Jane for the collars which were particularly acceptable. I am told that I am also in debt to you for a nice warm blue & white worsted shawl, wh. has been knitted for me by Mrs Stratton the wife of the Cpt. of the Columbine, a Danish lady very clever with her needle and quite a character. I hope we shall hear from you again . . . Your local news is always interesting remember. And now dearest Kate before I conclude may I ask you to let my beloved Mother see this letter as she will be anxious to hear of our safe arrival at home.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKAND INSTITUTE)

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SEPTEMBER 1842

WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO EDWARD MARSH Poverty Bay 24 August 1842

We had much communication with the Bishop and were pleased with him in every respect. He shews a disposition to meet the views of the missionaries to the fullest extent which is consistent, and his anxiety to promote the welfare of the natives is such that we have abundant reason to be thankful to that God who has directed his appointment. . . .

The Society had made a request generally to the Bishop to ordain such of the Catechists as he might consider to be fit for the ministerial office. Nearly all therefore begin to lift up their heads, but perhaps ere long, some may hang them down again. It will not I fancy be difficult for most to obtain deacons orders, but they will not be ordained priests without a knowledge of the Greek Testament & perhaps also some little Latin. They may think the difficulty will be easily mastered, but they will find it out in time. Mr. Baker with this prospect has volunteered to move from the Bay of Islands & will probably come to Tologa Bay a little to the northward of me. 31 Mr. Stack and Mr. Chapman I can with much satisfaction recommend. For the sphere in which they labour I think they are fully competent to exercise the ministerial office, and I think they are such as the bishop will approve.

You may perhaps have heard of the appointment which the Bishop has given me ... He has also named me one of his chaplains, specifying in his conversation with me, that he wished me to be his chaplain for the native language. The other chaplain, Mr. Whytehead, 32 will never I fear see New Zealand. He broke a blood vessel in Sydney & was obliged to remain behind and we hear since that he has had a relapse. The Bishop was depending upon him to take charge of the school, but he has now his eye upon someone else.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)


JANE WILLIAMS JOURNAL September 1842

September 1. Thursday. Canoes arrived bringing the packages which Columbine had brought from the Ariel . . . Unpacked some of them and found that they had been put up in a most shameful manner. Desks of course survived but not so much so as might have been expected. The sight of the pictures and children's books, which were a pokanoa 33 of Mr Chance made us quite angry: they would have been a disgrace to the very meanest book stall ever seen at Goose Fair. Some of them were committed to the flames as being the best way of disposing of them. Jane who had been teazing me to give her my old desk ever since we came home not a little delighted with her Father's present.

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September 2. Friday. Nursing dear little Kate a great part of the day. She is still very poorly and quite unlike herself. Went to Wakato to unpack some of Chance's things. Mrs Stack helped to cook.

September 3. Saturday. Left Mrs Stack helping Jane in domestic affairs and went again to Wakato. Quite dismayed at the sight of the box which contained the globes which were quite perceptible thro' its crevices. On opening it we were all astonished to find that they were in any tolerable degree of preservation the case was so slight, and not a morsel of paper or any kind of wrapper to preserve them from damp or accident. In clearing the rooms to be washed, Mr Burrow's mattress was found and also his box of eggs and cannister of gingerbread & biscuits, which he had left behind, notwithstanding Jane's care to pack them in time for him.

September 4. Sunday. Native & English services as usual. Mr Stack at Toanga. School in the ware mahi with the 1st class, being again too cold to sit outside.

September 5. Monday. Setting to rights many things unavoidably neglected on Saturday. Talking a long time with Marella and Wikitoria. Noko came but it was decided that she had better return to the kainga maori. Kino (who went to see her Mother the week we came back) returned. A consultation about Piripi and Hariata and it was decided they might stay if they endeavoured to live together more peaceably. My husband took his native classes in the usual way.

September 6. Tuesday. Occupied chiefly with domestic affairs.

September 12. Monday. A very bustling morning preparing for my husband's departure for Uwawa. He bid us adieu directly after dinner intending to stop for the night at Turanga nui.

[Entry by Jane--daughter]

Very cloudy and it looked as if bad weather was coming on. We thought of Father and his travelling.

September 13. Tuesday. Clearing out the lumber-room miscalled the study. In the afternoon the kaumatuas 34 took a walk and I took charge of the children at home.

September 14. Wednesday. Morning spent in cutting out girls' clothing: a late dinner, after which we had a pleasant walk to Tongatonga's place, taking all the children with us. The peach trees produced from stones planted by Wm and Mr Taylor in 1839 are a good size and covered with beautiful blossoms. Mr & Mrs Dudley were quite delighted with the beauty of the road. Began the process of weaning poor little Kate.

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SEPTEMBER 1842

September 15. Thursday. A wet afternoon but as my native women came, I had them in the verandah. Enjoyed the quietness of the evening after the young fry were safe and still in their respective moengas. 35

September 16. Friday. Cooked, unpacked crockery & tried to clean the nickel silver spoons which are a good deal tarnished owing to the careless way in which they were packed. After dinner the whole party excepting myself walked to Puketapu and did not get home till dusk.

September 17. Saturday. A very quiet day for the ra horoi ware. 36 Cut out sheets. The work all completed in good time and a very quiet evening only dear Kate was very restless.

September 18. Sunday. I was up the greater part of the night with my little girl who was so poorly and fretful, that I could not attend service. Mr Dudley read native prayers for the first time. Mrs D. also at native service. No enjoyment of the Sabbath from intense weariness, having had a succession of disturbed nights. Mrs Stack took my class at school. Had the unexpected pleasure of receiving a note from my husband who had arrived comfortably at his destination.

September 19. Monday. Began my morning school with about 30 women & girls. After breakfast washed my unfortunate caps after which sat down to sew, dear Kate being better. Mrs Dudley very poorly and Mr D. very pouri. 37 A rainy afternoon which caused no small row among the children who were obliged to play in the waremahi, but a quiet evening after they were gone to bed.

September 20. Tuesday. Jane cooking. Mrs Stack kept school with the little ones, and Mrs D. & myself sat to sew. About 3 oclock Wm was announced as being near at hand and before four he arrived wet thro'. A quiet evening which every one seemed to enjoy. But I felt a little dismayed at finding that my husband really intends to start on his long journey this day fortnight.

September 21. Wednesday. Poor little Kate so unwell and restless that I was obliged to be up with her part of the night and to nurse her instead of attending to my school this morning. Jane attended to the children's school.

September 22. Thursday. Began to make rusks etc. for the two travelling parties who are to start about the same time, one for the North the other for the South. Had my reading class in the afternoon.

September 23. Friday. Cooking again occupied both myself and Jane. Mrs Stack kindly ironed my caps.

September 24. Saturday. Much alarmed in the middle of the night by

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my husband fainting away, not being aware that he had hurt his back on Thursday while raking in the garden. On endeavouring to rise in the morning the same thing again occurred while I was out of the room making him a cup of tea. He has continued exceedingly poorly all day, and was obliged to be on the sofa during the morning, but would go out and about in the cold wind in the afternoon in spite of our remonstrances.

[Entry by Jane]

Mr Stack and Mr Dudley went to see poor Lydia who is very ill in a decline.

September 25. Sunday. William better and able to take the native service but very thankful to sit still and let Mr Dudley supply his place at the English one. Mr Harris was at church and stayed dinner. The wind being very piercing, I had the first class in the ware mahi. Mr Dudley read native prayers in the afternoon and Wiremu Kingi spoke, Mr Stack being away at Toanga. Began to read at our evening service a very nice book sent to Wm . . . Lectures on Jonah.

September 26. Monday. My husband better but not well. Having Catherine for steward I had a comfortable morning cutting out work etc. Jane at school with children. Read at tea as usual.

September 27. Tuesday. Mr Harris called after breakfast and informed us that a schooner 38 was in the Bay. William Mr Dudley and Mr Stack very busy unpacking packing and dividing medicines which caused us no small mess in the house. In the afternoon while we were all in the verandah watching the effect of nitric acid on quicksilver, Steward (alias Mr Horsley) was announced, a most welcome visitor as he brought us a budget of letters from Pewairangi. Very thankful to find that our dear children and other dear relatives were all well, but felt some disappointment of which all partook at there being no English letters. Mrs Schofield came with her tayloring work wh. answers tolerably well.

September 28. Wednesday. Intending all day to sit down to write by the Harlequin, but continually prevented by a series of trifles, things trifling in themselves but necessary to attend to.

September 29. Thursday. All both in the house & out of it, quite on the qui vive as just as we concluded breakfast, a large party from Waiapu being at hand, come to fetch Mr S. and his family. Mr & Mrs Dudley were extremely amused and interested by the arrival & reception. A packet of letters from Tauranga which had been conveyed to Waiapu by E. Tyrrel, a very pleasant surprise. We were not surprized to find that Mr Brown does not entertain the idea of coming to meet the Bishop. Had my class in the afternoon.

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OCTOBER 1842

September 30. Friday. Mr and Mrs Stack packing in good earnest. Jane and myself very busy cooking and preparing for the travellers who seem likely to leave altogether.

JANE WILLIAMS MS (ATL)


[Williams Journal to the C.M.S. for September deals with routine station classes. From Sept. 12-20 he made a journey to Tolaga Bay to select the site for Charles Baker's house.]

JANE WILLIAMS JOURNAL

October 1. Saturday. A very busy and fatiguing day. Much extra work and confusion & it was very late before we came to a conclusion. Finished Southey's History of the Church. At bedtime went to take the plum puddings out of the oven where they had been put to dry and found that a couple of them had vanished, so that each set will have one short. Felt rather tupato 39 and vexed, but somewhat inclined to think that some of the strangers who were unavoidably admitted inside, must have watched their opportunity.

October 2. Sunday. This day having been appointed for the administration of the sacrament, Mrs Dudley and myself attended the morning service which I greatly enjoyed. A beautifully fine morning added much to our comfort. Many were absent but the number of communicants amounted to 200. School was necessarily omitted and the English service deferred till the afternoon. Mr D. officiated and immediately on its being concluded went to baptize some native children at the church, Mrs D. & Jane accompanying him. I did not attend English service, but went with my husband to see poor Lydia Paratene who had sent a special request by her brother to have the Lord's Supper administered to her. We had the afternoon service curtailed and Wm addressed a congregation of about fifty, after which the Sacrament was given to seven including the poor turoro, 40 who appeared greatly refreshed at the conclusion of the service. After leaving poor Lydia we crossed the river in a little waka 41 to see Watarau who has been ill ever since we went to the Bay, and on our return tried but in vain to see Rangiaitu who is also on the sick list. Met Mr & Mrs D. coming from the church surrounded by a group of mothers and babies. Tea and our evening service unavoidably late, and we were all much fatigued, tho' the day had been one of much comfort and pleasurable excitement.

October 3. Monday. In attendance upon my husband nearly all day. Paid the girls in the afternoon.

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October 4. Tuesday. A day of great bustle and confusion. Jane cooking for the two travelling parties. Everybody making grand efforts to be ready. Helped my husband to pack, but he was not ready till a very late hour.

October 5. Wednesday. No school this morning. The horses at the door for Wm & Mr Dudley on one side, and the Waiapu natives clamouring for their pikaus 42 at the garden gate on the other side, were indications of the approaching departures. The weather becoming rather doubtful induced Mr Stack to dispatch a part of his suite, and he determined at the same time to defer their own setting off till tomorrow. Wm and Mr D. started after an early dinner. Poor Maria cried most bitterly on saying goodbye. Mr & Mrs S. still very busy. Mrs Dudley, Jane and I wandered about the garden and up to Wakato not feeling able to settle to anything, after which I refreshed myself by lying down till tea time. Rather an idle afternoon. Mr & Mrs Stack busy packing all afternoon. We spent the evening sorting seeds.

October 6. Thursday. Roused at a very early hour by poor little Kate, who cried & screamed for a considerable time without our being able to pacify her. Had breakfast ready soon after 6 according to agreement, (no school of course,) but our party did not assemble till 1/2 past 7. It began to rain during breakfast and the aspect of the weather was so unpromising that Mr Stack was again obliged to defer his departure. Cold wind and heavy showers all day. Chiefly occupied with clearing out my own room and having it thoroughly cleaned. Mrs D. and myself sat down quietly in the afternoon. Mrs S. very poorly.

October 7. Friday. After a morning of excitement much delay on the part of poor Mr Stack, most commendable patience on that of Mrs S. who was quite on the fidget to get off, and unusual forbearance & patience displayed by the natives, they left us at 12 oclock with the prospect of beautiful weather. Saying goodbye again produced most copious showers of tears from poor Maria. Mrs S. and her children in their kauhoas 43 looked most picturesque and departed in good spirits. After they were gone, fresh pork, cleaning and cooking kept us pretty well employed. . . . Felt very mokimoki 44 in the evening and began to realize that they, our husbands, are really far away. Rather uneasy about one of the two men carpenters who has been very ill all day.

October 8. Saturday. Found the poor man was much worse this morning with many symptoms of inflammation which determined me to send and request Mr Harris would come over to see him. Heard of the death of the Governor, 45 intelligence of which event had been

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OCTOBER 1842

brought from Auckland by Mr Graham owner of the Ariel. Mr H. called at tea time having visited the patient and bled him, which afforded him immediate relief.

October 9. Sunday. Though we are only a small party of females, we determined to have the regular service and to read a sermon. Fearing Mr Harris might call for medicine for the carpenter, we deferred it till afternoon, but Kate was so troublesome she took away all my comfort. Had school previously but with a very small number.

October 10. Monday. No school, my pupils having all gone to the Haunga 46 at Werowero. English carpenters as well as natives all away on the same errand. Heard in the evening that Meri had been taken ill at Werowero but could not learn any particulars. Meriana Wiremu came near bedtime to beg I would go to see her sick husband. I sent for Hemi Taio to go in my stead and bring me all particulars about him. The poor man was indeed very ill but I could do nothing for him beyond sending him some arrowroot & wine to support his sinking frame. Hemi proposed to fetch his wife and go to sit up with the poor man which pleased me, as it is seldom they shew any kind of feeling or sympathy with their afflicted neighbours.

October 11. Tuesday. No school again. . . . Mrs Dudley gardened, and I went to see some of the turoros while Jane kept school with James & Maria. Very poorly all afternoon and evening with violent cold and pain in my face. . ..

October 12. Wednesday. Very poorly all day and obliged to keep quiet, but was obliged to go and see Mary and Ellen who are both sick.

October 13. Thursday. A few women at school, but I was not up in time to attend to them. Cutting out all morning. Reading class in afternoon.

October 14. Friday. School as usual. The first really pleasant day this week, so I put off the cleaning that we might go out as soon as the breakfast was made and Jane had done her school. Walked to the pa by the river-side; visited several turoros ... A late dinner after which I was very busy endeavouring to supply the place of the doctor. . . .

October 15. Saturday. School. Heard of Mr Stack and his family having got to Uwawa safely, which place they left on Thursday. Rather an accumulation of work and the girls provokingly idle. Mrs Dudley helped me to put up my clean bed hangings which made us very late. Meri crawled up at teatime alarmed about her baby--herself scarcely able to move....

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October 16. Sunday. We had our morning service very comfortably, after which I had repeated applications for salts for different people who had been attacked by a complaint they call the mate korowa, 47 and none of the messengers would go away without a dose for themselves for fear they should be ill also. The wind so piercingly cold that I forbade the bell being rung for school & the very small congregation assembled for afternoon service in our ware manuwiri. 48

[Entry by daughter, Jane]

Several of the natives asking to go to Werowero in the evening which Mother of course did not allow.

October 17. Monday. Continual applications for physic. Mrs Dudley very poorly. I went to visit some of the turoros leaving Jane & the children to stroll about & gather flowers while I went into their kaingas. All our natives at Werowero. Heard that a vessel was expected from the Bay of Islands, and thought that if possible I would write and be ready for her.

October 18. Tuesday. Cutting out & preparing work in the morning, and we all walked out in the afternoon. Heard that Arthur had arrived from Port Nicholson and had got a letter and two packages for us. Cooper told us that there was a report that Colonel Wakefield was drowned.

October 19. Wednesday. A call from Mr Harris who came to bring the letter which was from Mr Martin. 49 The two boxes he had seen and desired that they might be sent in a canoe wh. was coming. The news of Col. Wakefield having been drowned is a mistake, it was a Mr Young a surveyor. 50 How many casualties occur among the settlers, and what a lesson it ought to be to us, who are daily preserved from many unseen dangers.

October 20. Thursday. Cooking in the morning. Only two of my reading class came in the afternoon. Mrs Dudley occupied them by reading with them and I went to Wakato to see Mrs Cooper who is sick, and worked a little in the garden.

October 21. Friday. Clearing away, re-packing and arranging boxes etc in the garden house previous to Mrs Dudley having her iron bedstead put up and other necessary arrangements for our expected visitors. Overlooking Koangi my head gardener. Rainy afternoon.

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OCTOBER 1842

October 22. Saturday. Not a single woman at school, we consequently breakfasted early and got the work done in good time considering that the girls had to carry all the water and fetch all the wood. Mrs Dudley very ill all day. A call from Wiremu Kingi who undertook to find me a messenger to carry letters and Mr Dudley's cape to Wairoa. The two little boxes which had caused so much wonder as to their contents proved to be from Mr Martin and contained English preserve & pickle.

October 23. Sunday. Jane's birthday. Mrs D. better. A quiet comfortable day. Weather prevented school and the congregation again assembled in the manuwiri.

October 24. Monday. A loud knock at the door roused me as I thought very early, but it was 6 oclock. W. Kingi had brought his messenger for the pukapukas. The bell had not rung for school, so as they stayed away for their own pleasure on Saturday, I thought they should for mine this morning, and I occupied the time in writing to my husband. We were much amused at Wiremu Kingi's explicit directions to the karere 51 who however would not start without a dose of salts in his hand. Cooper came to see about the bedsteads as he could not get either natives or pakehas to work at the church in consequence of the cold wind. Endeavoured to get some jobs done by the native carpenters which I dare not ask for when regular work is going on, but all very idle.

October 25. Tuesday. No school again. An unusually quiet morning, part spent in ironing, part in writing. After dinner Mrs D. and I walked to the pa, to see some of our turoros and to try to rouse up my old women to come to school more regularly, but we found the pa deserted by all but the sick, everybody busy planting. Passed the frame of a large two story house which has been erected since this day week: it is building by a pakeha maori I fear for a grog shop.

October 26. Wednesday. School with 14. Busy all morning trying to contrive curtains and sofa cover to make our sitting room look a little respectable. Mrs D. and Jane gave up their French and reading in order to help me, and we all set to work in good earnest. Obliged to leave them in the afternoon to lie down, my rest having been so much broken by dear little Kate. Unusually free from all applications for physic, but tea late in consequence of having a poor little child whose legs had been sadly scalded. A very quiet eveng tho' short.

October 27. Thursday. Occupied all morng with Meri at the sofa cover. Afternoon very agreeably spent with my native women while Mrs D. and Jane went to garden at Wakato taking the children with them.

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October 28. Friday. A very busy day. Mrs D. and Jane sat over at the other house with their reading in the afternoon. I was hindered by Schofield coming to be paid for his wife's work. They are going to the Bay in the Russell. 52 Mrs. Dudley's wedding day.

October 29. Saturday. Heard in the morning that natives had arrived from Wairoa and that Thompson (the black man) who was with them had letters for us which we did not however get till night and we should probably not have had them then if we had not sent to hunt him out. Very glad to hear of the welfare of our travellers who were on the point of starting for Ahuriri. Our messenger just too late for them. Piripi arrived from Waiepu bringing word that Mr & Mrs S. had arrived on the 20th. They had had a favourable journey but found things very uncomfortable considering that a carpenter had been there so long: the natives had been behaving ill which made him, Mr Stack, write in a very doleful strain. 53 Up very late providing necessaries for Hariata Wea and her daughter who was born about 1 oclock.

October 30. Sunday. Our morning service as usual after which I was so poorly as to spend the greater part of the afternoon on the bed. Mrs Dudley and Jane kept school.

October 31. Monday. Not up till after breakfast. The women had school by themselves. Occupied all day in preparing things to send to Wairoa. Wrote to my husband. Thompson called and while I looked out trade for him, he talked to Mrs D. about Wairoa and described the house, garden etc. He is likely to prove a very useful man to Mr D.


WILLIAM WILLIAMS JOURNAL TO THE C.M.S.

October 5. Left Turanga in company with Rev. Mr. Dudley & 12 natives on a journey to Ahuriri where we expect to meet the Bishop on his way from the south, visiting in the mean time all the villages which lay in our course. We were able to make trial of a new road which has been cut through the woods by which we expect to ride to Wairoa.

October 11. Rode to Table Cape and found a large assemblage of natives at Wangawehi. Addressed the natives at evening prayers.

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OCTOBER 1842

October 12. Examined 60 candidates for baptism of whom 42 passed.

October 13. 14. 15. Examined 181 candidates of whom 118 passed making a total of 160. These natives have good general information, but it is to be feared that Christianity being now so far established, a great number are pressing forward from a wish to conform to the present order of things rather than from a sincere desire to give themselves up to Christ.

October 16. Sunday. Held morning service at 10 oclock when the catechumens were received into the church. Those natives who still make a profession of popery were most of them present and made a point of showing that they do not belong to us by standing when others were sitting down. It was thus easy to discern them, and it was remarkable and at the same time a gratifying fact that many of them had our testaments in their hands which they appear to use to a right purpose. In the afternoon 85 children were baptized and 66 adults partook of the Lords Supper.

October 17. Before we left Table Cape I was called in to interfere in a serious quarrel which had occurred between two Europeans. After listening some time to their mutual recriminations, we left them with a recommendation to follow a more peaceable course, but there is little reason to expect a proper course to be followed where there is neither christian influence on the one hand nor legal restraint on the other. Returned to Nuhaka on our way to Wairoa, and read with a Bible Class in the evening consisting of upwards of 50.

October 20. 21. 22. [At Wairoa] The natives are assembled from most of the outposts to the distance of two days journey. The candidates amounting to 210 gave me close occupation for three days and 130 of the number are received for baptism making with more from Wakaki 158. Held evening service and addressed the candidates on the subject of the approaching event.

October 23. Sunday. During the morning service Mr. Dudley and I baptized the adults, and in the afternoon Mr. Dudley baptized 86 children. The congregation was large and attentive but there were many persons outside who showed by their conduct that curiosity alone had brought them there. The number who still hold out against the gospel are numerous and will present a large field before Mr. Dudley. 54

October 24. Weather showery and boisterous prevented our moving to the south, but we had an opportunity of witnessing a reconciliation between two principal parties who had quarrelled some months ago, when one of them, a numerous body withdrew from attendance at the

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chapel, though it is said they have continued to have prayers in their own village. The meeting of the parties was attended with the usual ceremonies, the different chiefs speaking in the old style, a practice which is now growing into disuse.

[October 25-31, Williams and Dudley travelled on towards Ahuriri, visiting en route the settlements of Mohaka, Moeangiangi, Aropaoanui, Tangoio and Waihinganga. On October 30 (Sunday) Dudley held an English service at the Whakaari whaling station near Tangoio.]

November 1. Examined 20 natives of whom 10 passed for baptism, and then proceeded to Awapuni where the native teachers reside. 55 We arrived at about 5 oclock. The position they have chosen is a central one, but none of the tribes live there being much scattered at extreme distances in quest of the wooded land which they prefer for cultivation. At this central point they have erected an excellent chapel of superior workmanship 60 feet by 36, a building which is likely to stand many years. Several parties are at present congregated including the candidates for baptism, and some are from the distance of four days journey. As a missionary station Ahuriri 56 will be highly important because though the population is not large having been much diminished by attacks from the natives of Waikato, yet there are several hundreds still remaining. It is a place moreover to which Europeans are likely soon to resort, when the natives, unless taken special care of, will many of them fall a prey to temptation. Held service in the evening.

November 2. Began the examination of candidates and was occupied with seven classes until dark. It appears that nearly the whole of the people have enrolled themselves with us, and some of the leading chiefs are candidates for baptism.

November 3. Engaged as yesterday with 6 classes. One in particular was very striking. The people were from Porangahau, four days journey to the south of this place. Nine of the ten persons were well informed, and an interesting old man the father of the party about 70 years of age was particularly earnest and clear in his expressions. In another class was a fine young man who has two wives. He is one of the best informed men I have met with. When the examination was closed, I observed that he had an obstacle in the way of his baptism. "Does this woman pass" said he. I replied that as far as her answers went she did. "Then I shall take this woman for my wife, and send the other away, that I may no longer have any hindrance". Held evening service in the chapel.

November 4. 5. Continued the examination of candidates, the total number of whom including those at Tangoio were 261 of whom there

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NOVEMBER 1842

are received 152 for baptism. In the afternoon addressed the natives generally on the subject of baptism, and at the conclusion of service took down the names of those who are to be baptized on the morrow. Spoke with the communicants in the evening.

November 6. Sunday. At morning service there were present about 450 persons including several who attended from motives of curiosity. The candidates were baptized after the second lesson. Allowing a short interval after the conclusion of morning service we again assembled, when the Lords Supper was administered to 40 natives, those who have just been received into the church being spectators. During the evening service baptized 39 children.

November 7. The natives have a good deal to say about books, which I am thankful to be able to promise them. Examined a Bible Class of 63 who all read fluently though their comprehension of scripture is sadly deficient. In the evening had another class of 36 consisting of the teachers with their wives and our own party.

. . . .

November 10. Set out inland on the road by which the Bishop is expected to come and after a walk of 19 miles brought up at Ngawakatatara on the river Tukituki.

November 11. Catechized a class of 12 candidates and then proceeded 3 miles to Patangata a small village belonging to Pareihe 57 the principal chief of Ahuriri. We are received as is generally the case with much hospitality which is always shown by an ample supply of food.

November 14. Writing. Conversed with 27 candidates for baptism. In the evening we heard that the Bishop is encamped about eight miles off.

November 15. Went on the road to meet the Bishop whom we soon came up with. His Lordship is accompanied by Mr. Martin the Chief Justice. 58 Returned to Patangata. The Bishop took the service and addressed the natives with much fluency. The country which the Bishop has traversed from Manawatu is described as being remarkably fine

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level grassland, wholly unoccupied by natives and watered by four beautiful streams.

November 16. Set out on our return and arrived at Ahuriri about 5 o'clock. The Bishop took the native prayers in the evening.

November 17. The natives not being yet assembled from the villages we had to wait some time for service, and in the mean time arranged a part of our luggage to go by canoe. The natives are very urgent to have a missionary located with them, and the bishop has promised to do what he can for them. At his suggestion a site was looked out on which a house may be erected by the natives. At one o'clock the natives were assembled for service, when I read prayers & the Bishop preached. A little before sunset we set out for the mouth of the river, which we did not reach till about 10 o'clock. Our food & most of our luggage was behind in the canoe so that we had to do the best we could in one tent.

November 18. Left at sunrise in a canoe and went up the backwater of Ahuriri as far as Waihinganga where we breakfasted and then proceeded to Tangoio, and on to Aropaoanui which we reached about 9 o'clock, where we had a comfortable position for our tents and were much refreshed.

November 19. Continued our journey over a very fatiguing route to within about a mile of Waikare, where we found a pleasant encampment by the side of a wood, and were not a little relieved in the prospect of a sabbath rest.

November 20. Sunday. Had service in the morning under the shelter of the trees, and in the afternoon had school & evening service.

November 21. Left our encampment at seven and in half an hour arrived at the river Waikare which we had some difficulty to ford. Continued our journey under the cliff and reached Mohaka at one o'clock. Had much interesting conversation with Judge Martin about the language to which he has paid much attention. Arrived at Wairoa at 8 o'clock in the evening much fatigued.

November 22. Had prayers with the natives before the rest of the party were up. Many natives are come together being anxious to see the Bishop, but their villages are so widely scattered that there is but a small proportion of the whole population. At three in the afternoon the natives were assembled in the chapel when the Bishop officiated and baptized eleven adults from Mohaka.

November 23. The Bishop had morning prayers in the chapel after which we set out for Nuhaka, which we reached at sunset a distance of exactly 20 miles.

November 24. The Bishop very unwell this morning from a bilious attack. He commenced the service with the natives but was obliged

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to withdraw after he had proceeded for a short time. At about eleven we were able to proceed and accomplished the distance of twelve miles. We were met in the afternoon by my carpenter from Turanga with the sad intelligence of the wreck of our church which had been blown down by a hurricane two days before. 59

November 25. Continued our journey and reached home after dark our distance being 19 miles. I was thankful to find all the family in health, and was cheered by the refreshing sight of a garden teeming richly with all the beauties of an English summer.

November 27. Sunday. About 1000 natives were assembled on the site of the church to morning service, when the Bishop preached making a very impressive reference to the ruined state of the building before us as contrasted with the spiritual church which will never decay. 60 A large body of natives were in the reading classes at school, but their deficiency in real knowledge would be but too manifest to his lordship. English service was conducted by the Bishop in my house, when most of the Europeans in the neighbourhood attended. At the afternoon native service the Bishop again read prayers.

November 30. The Bishop & the Judge left us on their way to Waiapu. The circumstances of my family were such that his lordship advised me to remain at home, 61 so that I was reluctantly obliged to allow our guests to proceed alone.


JANE WILLIAMS JOURNAL

November 1. Tuesday. My cough so troublesome that I was again unable to attend school. We had just completed the package for Thompson and I was going to write to Mrs Stack when a message came from Mr Espie requesting me to go and see his wife. 62 I waited to settle my household affairs and then accompanied by Mrs D. sallied forth. After walking thro' the (to all appearance) uninhabited pa, we had to wait at the water side a considerable time before we could get anyone to paddle us over. One solitary old man sat with perfect unconcern on the top of the bank watching our proceedings. Mrs Dudley exerted her lungs to the utmost (I could do but little in that way) and at last we succeeded in making the people hear on the opposite side who im-

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mediately brought over a canoe for us. We staid with Mrs Espie till 3 o'clock when we left her with a very fine little girl. 63 The evening was spent in selecting and packing up some physic for Mr Stack and writing to Mrs S.

November 3. Thursday. We all set to work to make cakes and plum puddings for our expected visitors. Not one of my reading class came so I helped to finish the mess which I was going to leave to Mrs D. and Jane.

November 4. Friday. The carpenter came to work in the verandah and we were obliged to give up the school. Gave the girls leave to go to the wood for kiakia 64 this being the day for a grand huihuinga 65 in the wood: they were all off at daybreak, and Meri did the little work we required. I was very poorly all day. Mrs Dudley and myself busy making up caps & trimming bonnets. Wiremu Kingi came in the eveng, very pouri about a quarrel which had taken place respecting the rahui of

the -----, 66 wishing repeatedly that Te Wiremu was at home to shew them how to act.

November 5. Saturday. Very much indisposed and greatly tried with my girls whose behaviour reminded me of the olden times. The indulgence of yesterday has been more than they could bear. Three of them sent in their clothes and went off: the others came round a little but it was very late before we got our work done, particularly as it had been increased by giving them a holiday yesterday.

November 6. Sunday. Better but still very poorly. A very comfortless Sabbath and the evening encroached upon by having to collect our letters for the Bay.

November 7. Monday. Better but my cough still too bad to allow of my being at school. A great committee at the pa attracted all our natives and nothing was done either inside or out. My remaining girls very ill behaved. Wiremu Kingi came to see us in the evening, his heart quite lightened of the heavy burden he had felt since Friday's affair, which tho' it had threatened to be very serious had been amicably settled. About 300 men had assembled for the purpose of discussing the

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question, a large proportion of them armed. W.K. objected to any one speaking till the loaded muskets were all put out of the way, which at last was acceded to, & I think it rather a striking fact that so large a party separated quietly without firing off their guns.

November 8. Tuesday. Made Erena come to wash in the place of my rebellious domestics. Carpenter at work in the verandah which is not a little improved by the new posts and the unsightly props being removed.

November 9. Wednesday. Carpenter at work in the sitting room. Mrs D. and Jane busy training and tying up the roses of the verandah which occupied them all day.

November 11. Friday. Just as we concluded family prayer, a packet was put into my hand from my husband. I opened it hastily expecting to find the day named on which we were to see them home again, but our pleasure was damped by finding that they were still at Aburiri and likely to remain there for some little time, the Bishop not having been able to keep his appointment, and we felt a good deal shocked at finding that the cause of his Lordship's detention was the death of poor Mr Evans. 67 Immediately after breakfast sent for Cooper to give him the orders contained in my husband's letter for a temporary platform and rail to be constructed at the other end of the church for the Bishop's accommodation. Poor Mrs D. felt much at hearing about poor Mr E. but the letter contained no particulars. Our expectations having received such a check, our preparations have been allowed to stand still all day..

November 12. Saturday. Cooper came quite in a fidget about Mr Stack's things, having heard that the Russell was getting under weigh and he determined to go off at once and see. The master had promised to let us know as soon as he was ready to receive them, but we had heard nothing of him. I sat down and scribbled off another letter or two and some memorandum in addition to what were collected in such haste on Sunday night. He returned in the afternoon having been just in time to get the letters on board, the master being exceedingly uncivil & refusing now to take Mr S's things at all, notwithstanding that he is mainly indebted to Mr S. for having his vessel saved. 68

November 13. Sunday. Service by ourselves in the morning. School in the afternoon. I took my class (a large one) in the ware mahi and

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Mrs D. and Jane were in the verandah with the kuware 69 classes. Meri ill and Makareta also. (Abraham's wife)

November 14. Monday. Two of my rebels returned to their duty early this morning. Only a few women at school and at the conclusion Ani Patene told me that it would be quite necessary to give up school for a time as they were all going to plant at a distance. After some conversation on the subject I was obliged to accede.

November 15. Tuesday. Mrs D. and I went to see how Mrs Espie and her baby were getting on. On arriving at the river we were again at a loss, but after strolling a little way on its banks, Meriana Wiremu made her appearance in her canoe returning from her work, and she put us across. We visited Mrs E. and Makareta and another woman undertook to ferry us back again but her bark was too small to allow of our both coming together. We should have made a most amusing picture had any one been at hand to sketch us, but the old lady conveyed us very safely, and seemed to think it a great privilege. She then accompanied us home for physic & food for Makareta. Hariata's baby very ill. I am much afraid it will not live.

November 19. Saturday. The poor little baby died early this morning: the mother is particularly calm and quiet in her grief which nevertheless seems very deep. Work proceeded very quickly and was done in good time. Cooper fetched me in the afternoon to make a rout among the native carpenters who would not go to help him take some precautions requisite lest the tremendous wind which has been blowing all day should occasion any further mischief to the frame of the church, two of the window frames having already been blown out & smashed. Had some difficulty but at length succeeded in getting them to work, which they thought a great hardship, because they thought they had done. We had a very comfortable evening and were intending to retire early, but at 10 oclock I had to seek my girls, who had wandered ki runga tahataha 70 from whence we had to fetch them. A beautiful moonlight night, and the river and its banks were a most lovely aspect. Having got my family into their respective places I was proceeding to lock up, when a pakeha made his appearance at the back door with a kete 71 full of letters & parcels by Columbine. A very agreeable surprise which soon dispelled our sleepiness. We had heard of a vessel in the afternoon but thought no more about it. Sat up very late reading our various communications.

November 20. Sunday. Service in the morning and school in the afternoon. A comfortable Sabbath upon the whole.

November 21. Monday. Up very early to send down to Werowero but Kiriahi could get no crew everybody being gone to the wood to

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gather kiakia. With some trouble I got 4 of our own natives to go with Cooper to get Mr Stack's timber on board. My girls who are all in place again but one, begged hard to be allowed to go, but the former indulgence having proved so injurious, I gave them a firm refusal which they took with a better grace than I expected. In the midst of my packing the large box for Paihia, Captain Stratton arrived and gave us all the Auckland and Tauranga news, in addition to which he told us that Mr Whytehead had arrived at the Bay of Islands. He went away again directly after dinner, and again sat down to write, when Mr Harris called. I had such repeated interruptions that I got nothing done till the evening closed in, and consequently determined upon sitting up till I had finished, having promised Capt S. that the dispatches should be sent the first thing in the morning. Completed my letters and tied up my parcel just before 5 oclock when Cooper came for them. A high wind blowing all night. About 12 oclock we were much annoyed by the continued sound of something or somebody trying to effect an entrance into the pantry thro' the raupo. I went at last to the outer door to find out what it was and discovered it to be a tremendous pig, which with some three or four mates Jane and I had to drive out of the yard. I had forgotten to see the gate fully locked as usual, of which they had not failed to take advantage.

November 22. Tuesday. Wind blowing so strong that Kiriahi could not stir, tho' as it came from the land I thought it a mere excuse. It went on however increasing in a fearful degree and about 11 oclock a' thrilling shout and a tremendous crash made me run to the window & I saw our poor church lying in ruins on the ground. I felt almost stupified with horror, but after a few seconds we ran out with one consent to ascertain that no one was buried in the ruins. Most thankful to find that not an individual was hurt, tho' the two new carpenters and some natives were all at work inside and they had just time to escape with their lives, in a most providential manner. After returning to the house Mrs Dudley and myself stood some time watching the progress of a very singular dense cloud which rose from between the hills beyond the little wood. The sky immediately above it was perfectly clear and blue. It continued to increase and to move steadily onwards till it had obscured the little wood and the end of the large one and was within 1/2 a mile of us, the wind still blowing most awfully from the west. I began to feel apprehensive for our poor frail habitation fearing it would go too, but providentially the fearful cloud began to separate and one part gradually moved off to the north, the other to the south and in the course of a little time scarcely a trace of it was left. In the afternoon Harieta Huruinga came to fetch me to see some poor natives upon whom a large tree had fallen, blown down by the same tremendous blast. One child about 5 yrs old lay dead, having been deprived of life almost instantaneously: the mother was in great agony tho' I trust her injuries are nothing more than very severe bruises. The father was only slightly

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hurt and the baby had most mercifully escaped unhurt. We met Mr Espie on our return who had left Capt. S. in a great fidget. Sent again for Kiriahi and with some difficulty got him to say he would move as soon as tide would allow. Cooper returned just in time to save me the trouble of seeing Mr Stack's packages carried out of the store. Thoroughly wearied long before bedtime.

November 23. Wednesday. Cooper having determined to go off to meet Wm. and communicate the bad news himself, was ready to start long before I was up. Mrs D. and I each wrote a hasty note to our husbands directly after breakfast. After dinner Jane and I took the children out, and I visited a couple of turoros. On our way we met Tongatonga and Kurei coming to tangi over the ruins. When we returned the latter was standing on a large heap of wood & raupo making an oration and flourishing about a broken post, as much as he could manage to wield. The subject of his speech we did not hear, as he finished before we arrived. After firing his gun 3 or 4 times they concluded their lamentations and sat down to gaze in silence at the devastation before them. Before we got home the canoe arrived with our packages from Columbine and I sent for the new English carpenters to land the seraphine 72 and convey it safely to the house. While at tea I was called out to a strange native who produced a pukapuka from Te Wiremu and vanished before I could ask him a question. It was to inform us that they were travelling with amazing speed and hoped to be home either Friday or Saturday--a week sooner than we had expected. Very welcome news tho' we must cram the work of 4 days into 2. After tea we unpacked the two English packages: the little one proved to be from Mrs Cole; the other which Capt S. had told us must be candles because it was exactly like a box of those articles that Mr Chapman had just received, was a most agreeable surprize, being from Aunt Maria only seven months from Nottingham to Poverty Bay. Dresses, shilling bonnets, dolls, native clothing etc etc spread in sweet confusion all over the room and not the less welcome for being unexpected. It was very late before we got everything disposed of, and when we went to bed Kate awoke and again became so excited with her Laplander doll that she kept us awake till day break, rather a bad preparation for a hard day's work, but neither mild measures nor harsh ones could avail to make her settle to sleep again.

November 24. Thursday. A day of grand bustle of course. The carpenter came to put up a calico ceiling in the study and left it before 6 oclock just not finished. Feeling that it must not be left, I sent for Renata and Hemi Hamera to complete the Scotchman's work, after which they worked cheerfully till 9, nailing up the old green curtains to conceal the unplaned boards. Wiremu Kingi came late to know what he was to do about assembling the natives. Gave the girls some new

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NOVEMBER 1842

dresses for Sunday: the three shortest were clothed from the remains of Mrs Neale's former bounty, and the others had old gowns of mine with which they were far better pleased. Sent my friend Ani Patene one of the two noble dresses sent this time by Mrs N. reserving the other for Arapera.

November 25. Friday. Again all bustle, Jane making pies & Mrs Cooper and Marella sewing the bed valances and curtain for the Bishop & Judge's rooms. I had a great job to get the study in order having to move the old bookcase and consequently to take out all the books. Had as much as possible of the Saturday's work done & the girls worked exceedingly well. The seraphine was unpacked and put into its place, and the house quite nice and comfortable by 6 oclock. At dusk Mrs Dudley sat down to try the new instrument, but before she could strike a note, the joyful outcry of "E mata ko te Wiremu" reached our ears. Some of the natives arrived first and told us that Te Pihopa and Te Tuteri were mate, 73 but I warned Mrs D. not to believe the whole of a native report. His Lordship & my husband were not long after them, and I was grieved to find by Wm's manner that the news as respected poor Mr D. was only too true. The kind-hearted Bishop went immediately to prepare Mrs Dudley for the unwelcome intelligence. The Judge & Mr Dudley did not arrive for some time, and it was 10 oclock before we had tea. Poor Mr D's illness greatly damped the pleasure we had anticipated, and we had rather a silent meal. Very late before we retired.

November 26. Saturday. Breakfast having been fixed for 9 oclock I had time to get things a little comfortable and felt very glad not to have the usual work to look after. The Bishop and Mr Martin seemed pleased with the place and greatly enjoy the rest and quiet. Mr M. did not stir all day. His Lordship walked out to the pa and Wakato and arranged for the service tomorrow, that the tents should be stretched across the remains of the floor so as to form an awning under which the Bishop may be seated and the English part of the congregation. Mr Dudley very ill all day and cupped [in the] evening. We had a very late tea, after wh. the Bishop gave Wm. a prayer and certain forms to translate into Maori as he intends to induct the Archdeacon in the presence of his native congregation.

November 27. Sunday. We breakfasted at 8 oclock and got all cleared away in time to go to native service. Poor Mrs Dudley could not go on account of her sick husband. There were about 1000 natives at service. The Bishop preached a very nice native sermon. We were all very much amused with the natives, the greater part of whom staid after service was over to matakitaki 74 the Bishop. He took the English service here and went to the school after dinner. Mr Harris dined here. I was late at native service, not liking to leave Mrs D. till Cooper came. It was a

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beautiful day and we had a congregation of a thousand most attentive. The Bishop's extempore sermon from Acts 15-16 most appropriate & striking, previous to which, the ceremony of induction was gone thro' in a very solemn manner. The natives gazed in almost breathless astonishment at their pastor kneeling before his Bishop. His Lordship took the whole English service and gave us another extempore sermon equally good with the native one. After dinner his Lordship took a class at school. I had above 220 women and was obliged to shorten my first class, it consisted of such an unmanageable number.

November 28. Monday. We were very busy cooking all morning. The Bishop and Mr Martin busy packing and preparing for their journey. Poor Mr Dudley rather better in the morning but worse again in the evening. The weather looked rather unsettled at night. Our visitors keep so quiet in their apartments that we only see them at meal times. Made some little preparations for their journey but they would accept of very little. Quite decided that Wm remains at home.

[Entry by Jane, daughter]

November 29. Tuesday. A very wet morning. The Bishop and Judge decided to wait till the weather cleared. Mother wrote to Mrs Brown and Mrs Chapman. Mr Dudley had his head shaved & a blister applied.

November 30. Wednesday. The weather still very unsettled but the Bishop and Judge started about 11 oclock. Father engaged at a native committee all afternoon. Mr Dudley rather better, Mrs D. came over for about 1/2 an hour. Cooper and his wife came down to sleep. [Jane, mother.] Our visitors bade us adieu in a most friendly manner, Mr Martin giving me a warm invitation to visit Auckland whenever the first "general council" meets . . . After they were gone I had his Lordship's room cleaned to form a sitting room for Mr & Mrs Dudley.

[Entry by Jane, daughter]

Thursday. Mr Dudley better. Mother and I sorted the things from England. We walked up to Wakato in the afternoon. Mrs D. came over and took a cup of coffee with us and came to prayers while Cooper staid with Mr Dudley. [Jane, mother] My husband began to recover a little from his fatigue and enjoyed being quiet at home with his own family. The Bishop is a most amazing walker and brought his party along at full speed all the way.

JANE WILLIAMS MS (ATL)


WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO ALFRED BROWN

Poverty Bay 28 November 1842

Our good Bishop is now about to take his departure, and bends his course towards Tauranga. ... I feel truly thankful that we have such

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a man at the head of affairs, and I have the fullest confidence that he will be made a great blessing under the guidance of our heavenly father. You will find that he expects to have his word in the location of clergymen & that especially in admitting catechists into orders he will not sanction their remaining in places where they will come into contact with a large body of Europeans unless he considers them fit for such a post. In all these points I think you are such a lover of order that you will fully approve of his measures. I hope that for the credit of the cloth that no mistake will arise with regard to Mr Preece. It will all depend upon your report. Fancy yourself sitting down to hear a sermon from the Reverend gentleman preached from under a surplice. 75

You will find Judge Martin a most agreeable man, and one who has much at heart the well being of the natives.

A. N. BROWN PAPERS MICRO MS (ATL)


JANE WILLIAMS TO CHARLOTTE BROWN Turanga 29 November 1842

Their bringing home our poor friend [Mr Dudley] so seriously ill has been quite a damp upon the pleasure we anticipated from having his Lordship here; we have however much enjoyed his transient visit, and his presence has been a great comfort to dear Mrs Dudley. I hope your head will please to behave well, and not put you in your room during his stay at Tauranga for I should like you to know a little of him. He took the principal part of all the services on Sunday and gave us a good sound English sermon, which he delivered extempore--as well as his native one. The Judge you will find a very pleasant man with a good deal of common sense but wanting a right sense of the one thing needful....

[Jane] has been studying French and had begun a course of reading with Mrs. Dudley during the absence of her Father & Mr. D., but at present all plans are suspended. Our three little ones are well. Kate is a great girl, but strange to say has only 6 teeth, all which she cut either at the Bay or on board ship. She is now nineteen months old and chatters away both English and Maori. Maria is still "little new style", but grows a good deal like Leonard. She and James are very very backward particularly when compared to Celia, 76 but I hope they may get on better now we have more regular school.

A. N. BROWN PAPERS MICRO MS (ATL)

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WILLIAM WILLIAMS JOURNAL TO THE C.M.S.

December 4. Sunday. Having had the offer of a very large house in the Pa as a chapel, which was built last year for the reception of visitors, we held our services there today and were comfortably accommodated. This building will serve as a place of worship for some time to come. 77

[With the exception of references to the attention needed by the sick Dudley, the entries for the rest of December are about routine instruction classes.]


JANE WILLIAMS JOURNAL

December 26. Monday. The period since the last date has been marked by so much painful excitement and anxiety that journalizing has been almost out of the question. Poor Mr Dudley whose illness has been the cause is now better, and has been able to join our family circle since last Wednesday, but he is still far from well. . . . The re-commencement of my [school] has been long delayed on account of our turoro, but they began this morning to assemble at Perahuka's house, which affords such comfortable accommodation that I hope I shall be able to attend them there. Ani and Arapera began to come for writing lessons.

December 27. Tuesday. At school. A quiet morning in my own room writing. Walked to Wakato in the afternoon. My husband's new plan of taking all his classes at Perahuka's house is a great benefit to me. The house is so much more quiet, and I find I have more time. Mr Dudley not so well and much excited in the evening. Maria very poorly.

December 28. Wednesday. At school. Morning occupied in cleaning the globes assisted by Jane and Harriet. Obliged to have them taken out of their frames in order to do them thoroughly, but succeeded beyond my expectations and they now look very nice. Mr Dudley went out to the pa and behaved very strangely when he returned. Took a walk in the afternoon. Very late before we retired, poor Mr D. being much excited.

December 29. Thursday. Roused at i past 4 by our poor patient being in a state of such extreme excitement that constraint became necessary. A day of deep anxiety and distress. Went to Wakato with dear Mrs D. and helped her a little with her packing to be ready for Columbine. Kate very poorly.

December 30. Friday. Nursing dear little Kate all morng, who is still far from well. Mr Harris called. Mrs D. packing, poor Mr D. no better.

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JANE WILLIAMS JOURNAL December 1842

December 31. Saturday. Last night one of most distressing excitement. I was roused before 2 and did not leave poor Mrs Dudley till past 4, when I endeavoured in vain to get a little sleep. Maria was so fidgety that at 6 I got up and dressed her and tried to keep her quiet to enable others to sleep. A very wet day. After dinner left Jane to see the work done and went to lie down. Mr Harris came to take William's night watch that he may be a little prepared for tomorrow's duties. My husband made up his mind to accompany Mr & Mrs D. to the Bay as soon as Columbine arrives or in the Nimrod should she put in here soon.

JANE WILLIAMS MS (ATL)


WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO EDWARD MARSH Turanga 19 December 1842

I . . . will come to our meeting with the Bishop which owing to the unavoidable delay met with in Port Nicholson through the death of his travelling companion and pupil Mr Evans, was not till the 15th of November . . . You presume that we may find that he entertains rather high notions of episcopal authority. I believe I understand pretty well what are his Lordships views upon general subjects, but I have not met with any sentiment to which I cannot give my fullest assent. I have heard the Bishop preach sermons regularly prepared and I have heard him preach what was strictly extempore, and in his enunciation of christian doctrine I have found him clear and evangelical. Then again with regard to the regulation of church matters, I have not heard a hint of anything which a consistent churchman will not cordially approve. On these points therefore we have nothing to apprehend, while in other respects we have much to gain. Disorderly proceedings will now be checked, and the whole ecclesiastical force being under one head will move with more effect than it has ever yet done. The society will I daresay feel some degree of jealousy about his interference, but it is quite certain that the bishop will not license any clergyman to a situation which he does not approve, and for my part I would much rather surrender any private opinion of my own to the decision of one who makes it his business thoroughly to understand the wants of every part of his vast field under his charge. The location of missionaries has never been settled by the committee at home, except that in some cases to the great detriment of the work they have insisted upon some persons not being removed from places where they were not wanted. The settlement of these questions has been influenced by two moving powers, one is the individual himself to whom the question has been put, are you willing to go to such a place? and the other is a mongrel committee consisting of materials with which you have some acquaintance. Now these movements will be made as they should be. Those who are sub-

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ordinate will act under authority. It will be said to one go and he goeth and to another come and he cometh.

I have not been able to discover any thing bordering on the Puseyite heresy in the Bishop, but it is an undoubted fact that the two chaplains who accompanied him are disciples of that school. His third chaplain, appointed in New Zealand, you may rest assured is not. 78 You speak of the Bishops high ideas of ecclesiastical architecture. Whatever these may be they will accommodate themselves to circumstances. His Lordship will very properly obtain the best edifices he is able for the service of God, but beyond this cannot go. I feel quite sure he has no disposition to spend in superfluous decoration that which is wanted for more extensive accommodation. It is but little the settlers of New Zealand are able to do, and still less are they willing to do, so that the funds placed at the Bishops disposal from England will be necessarily dealt out with a careful hand.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

1   The Europeans on Mahia Peninsula were mainly engaged in whaling. William and James Ward began whaling at Waikokopu in 1837, and the same year Captain William Ellis began at Whangawehi. In 1838 Ellis took over the Ward brothers' station, and in 1840, Tom Ralph, Robert Brown and William Morris, former whalers with J. W. Harris at Papawhariki, moved to the Mahia. John Greening, another whaler, claimed land at Waikokopu as also did Thomas Bate-man of the Bay of Islands, although it is doubtful if the latter ever lived there-- Captain Clayton probably operated the station for him. During the 1840s the European population rapidly increased as Mahia Peninsula became one of the principal North Island whaling bases. Donald McLean estimated the European population there in 1851 as 140 (J. A. Mackay, op. cit., pp. 146-154.)
2   The only known European at Wairoa at this time is William Burton, trading agent for Cooper, Holt and Rhodes. The earliest of the district land claims, apart from that of W. B. Rhodes, who was not a settler, was 1844. Later in the 40's a whaling station was established. Thus the six Europeans were probably itinerant coastal traders and sailors who had called in at Burton's station. A Maori witness stated in the Wairoa Native Land Court, 1881, 'When the Pakeha came he and his people lived at Te Uhi, after Christianity they still remained there'. (N.Z. Centennial Atlas, Early Settlement Notes, Box 3 Part 5.)
3   After his few days at Turanga in January, Stack returned to Tauranga, stopping off on the way at Waiapu where he examined the site for his future Rangitukia station. At the end of March he sailed from Tauranga in the Columbine with cattle and the heavier stores for his station. His next visit to Turanga in the Columbine in April made Williams decide to leave with his family for the proposed general meeting at Paihia. When Stack learned that Bishop Selwyn had arrived at the Bay of Islands and that William Williams would be staying on there, he determined to leave with his family for Turanga to look after the station while William and Jane remained at the Bay. The Stack family arrived at Turanga on 21 May 1842 and stayed there until 7 October 1842 when they left for Rangitukia. (J. Stack to C.M.S. 29 January 1842 and 2 December 1843, C.N./078.)
4   In the early thirties, the mission farm at Waimate under Richard Davis had helped to increase the material independence of the missionaries, but by 1836 there was difficulty in obtaining Maori labour, the soil was becoming worked out and was unsuitable for the grain crops grown--the harvests after 1836 were meagre. Henry Williams recommended in 1838 that it should be given up, and in 1840 he reported that the farm was ' "nothing short of a Sinking Fund and must be brought officially to a stand . . . Flour can be bought in New Zealand much cheaper than it can be grown".' (M. W. Standish, The Waimate Mission Station, National Historic Places Trust, 1962, p. 26.) By 1841 most of the original farm land was leased out.
5   The Boys' School at Waimate was also proving a 'Sinking Fund' and Henry Williams proposed in March 1842 that it be given up and that a sum be granted individual missionaries for their children's education. (H. Williams to A. N. Brown, 4 March 1842, A. N. Brown Papers.)
6   Rev. Robert Burrows, an ordained priest, arrived with his wife at the Bay of Islands in March 1840; in August he went to Kororareka. Burrows' health was poor, he was a consumptive, and while he and his wife were at Kororareka both their children died--one in 1841 the other by April 1842. In these circumstances the northern district missionaries felt that he should leave Kororareka for a time, Burrows however considered it was his duty to stay.
7   our
8   Marianne Williams was in charge of the English girls' school at Paihia.
9   Jane's second daughter--15. She was attending her aunt's school at Paihia.
10   Marianne and Henry Williams' second daughter--13.
11   The eldest daughter of Henry and Marianne Williams--22.
12   Williams sent his moa bones to William Buckland geologist and priest. He was Professor of Mineralogy and Reader in Geology at Oxford where he also had a geological museum.
13   See note, The Introduction of Bishop Selwyn.
14   The Waimate Boys' School became the Collegiate School of Selwyn's St John's College establishment at Waimate.
15   The Bishop's New Zealand party consisted of Selwyn, his wife and their son William; Mrs Martin, wife of the N.Z. Chief Justice; two chaplains, T. Whytehead and W. C. Cotton; two ordained missionaries sent by the C.M.S., C. L. Reay and W. C. Dudley; one clergyman sent by the Propagation Society, R. Cole; students reading for Holy Orders, W. Nihill, W. Evans, H. F. Butt (who was also physician); teacher, W. Bambridge and his wife; scholars, W. Lowther and F. Fisher; the Bishop's household, Edward Arnold, Mrs Watts, Harriet Watts, William Watts, Ann Stapley, Mary Crump, George Rupai, and Cotton's servant, Robert Hussey. (W. C. Cotton, Journal, Vol. 1.)
16   See notes on missionaries.
17   The Dictionary of the New Zealand Language was published in Paihia at the mission press in 1844. Five published editions have been the work of members of the William Williams' family. For the first two editions, 1844 and 1852 William Williams was responsible; the third and fourth editions, 1871 and 1892, were edited by his son, William Leonard Williams; the fifth edition, 1917, by his grandson, Herbert William Williams.
18   A church official who exercises in special circumstances the jurisdiction of a bishop. As applied to the Bay of Islands, the nomination would reinforce Henry Williams' position of leadership when Selwyn was absent from the Bay.
19   Christopher Pearson Davies
20   The Journal was written as a letter to Jane's sister-in-law Marianne Williams.
21   parents. Obviously applied here to the missionaries.
22   Lydia Catherine--Kate
23   troubles
24   Missionary children came to responsibility early--Jane was in her fifteenth year. George Clarke commented on this: 'It will be readily understood that the elder members of the missionary families had to take their share in teaching the natives ... I have often taught a class in which two generations sat together'. (G. Clarke, op. cit., pp. 22-3.)
25   James West Stack remembered the oranges. 'The two newcomers [Mr & Mrs Dudley] were late arrivals from England. On their way they touched at Sydney, where they procured some oranges, a few of which they brought to Poverty Bay. I shall never forget the agreeable sensations caused by my first experience of the delicious smell of the orange peel and taste of the orange juice.' (J. Stack, op. cit., p. 145.)
26   Mrs Schofield--see Jane Williams Journal, 27 September 1842.
27   Marianne Williams' suitor was C. P. Davies, surgeon at Kororareka. He joined the C.M.S. as a catechist in 1842 and was ordained deacon in 1843. 'The young man,' wrote Henry Williams, 'is rather urgent in his demands and wants to carry her off earlier than we approve. We think about the commencement of the year'. (H. Williams to A. N. Brown 1 August 1842, A. N. Brown Papers.) They were married on 9 February 1843.
28   The winter had been a severe one; Stack described the prevalent sickness as 'inflammation of the throat--spitting of blood and such like formidable diseases'. (J. Stack to A. N. Brown 8 June 1842, A. N. Brown Papers.) Most Maori diseases were variants of tuberculosis, or scrofula as it was called.
29   Jane is referring to Leonard and Sydney left at the Waimate Collegiate school. Mary was also with her aunt at Paihia.
30   This worsted wool was called Zephyr yarns in Germany but known as Berlin wools in England. Berlin wool-work patterns and the materials for working them were imported into England in large quantities from 1831 onwards, by 1840 no less than 14,000 different designs for wool work had been published. (B. Morris, Victorian Embroidery, London, 1962, p. 20.)
31   See note on missionaries.
32   Rev. T. B. Whytehead, although gravely ill, reached the Waimate during November 1842. He was still alive when Selwyn returned from the diocesan journey but died a few weeks later on 19 March 1843.
33   Selected at random and without authority: Chance was the shipping agent.
34   adults
35   beds
36   day for cleaning the house
37   gloomy
38   Harlequin--schooner of 63 tons
39   suspicious
40   sick person
41   canoe
42   loads. Williams and Dudley were going to Ahuriri to meet Bishop Selwyn-- see Williams Journal 5 October--and the Stacks were going to their Waiapu station.
43   litters
44   lonely
45   Hobson died at Auckland on 10 September 1842.
46   In addition to its religious significance, the hahunga was also a social occasion. The ceremony associated with the removal of bones, which in itself could last several days, was followed by a large feast, the preparation for which in growing and collecting food supplies may have gone on all year. (Elsdon Best, The Maori, Wellington, 1941, Vol. 2, p. 71.)
47   old man's sickness. Another prevalent Maori disease was known as mate kohe, the wasting disease--presumably lung tuberculosis. (D. Macmillan, By-Ways of History and Medicine, Christchurch 1946, p. 279.)
48   guest house
49   Williams' agent at Port Nicholson was Firmen Victor Martin.
50   William Curling Young, one of the leaders of the New Zealand Company at Nelson, was drowned while attempting to ford a river there. He was held up as an example by the directors of the Company to young men emigrating: Tt was commonly said by them, "Do like William Young and you will do capitally".' (The New Zealand Journal, 18 March 1843.)
51   messenger
52   schooner from the Bay of Islands
53   James Stack and his family arrived at Waiapu on 21 October 1842. His house was not finished, and with Mrs Stack 'near her time', they were all forced to live in the carpenter's small hut. The natives, particularly the baptized ones, were 'unkind'; they were dissatisfied with the payment Stack gave them for getting his stores on shore as it did not compare with the rate being paid in Auckland. They also refused to sell him food except at 'exhorbitant prices'. (J. Stack to C.M.S., 2 December 1843, C.N./078.)
54   Dudley's approaching illness prevented him from ever becoming station missionary at Wairoa.
55   Awapuni was at the mouth of the Tukituki River.
56   William Colenso arrived at Ahuriri as station missionary at the end of December 1844.
57   Te Pareihe was the chief of the Ngati Whatuiapiti hapu of Ngati Kahungunu. He was one of the Heretaunga chiefs who sought the protection of Te Wera at Mahia Peninsula from repeated attacks from inland tribes. In 1830, Pareihe left Mahia, defeated and then made peace with the inland tribes, and persuaded his people to reoccupy their former lands. Some years before his death in 1845 he was baptized.
58   William Martin, New Zealand's first judge, was at Cambridge with Selwyn and was persuaded by him to accept the position of chief justice of New Zealand. He arrived at Port Nicholson in August 1841 and took up his duties at Auckland the following month. He joined Selwyn for this journey at New Plymouth on 31 October.
59   See Jane Williams Journal 22 November 1842.
60   Selwyn made a sketch of this service in his 1842 MS Journal showing the Bishop enthroned under his awning and the Maoris seated in front of him.
61   William and Jane assumed responsibility for William Dudley.
62   Espie bought about 1843, 154 acres at Makaraka close to Thomas Uren's property for '1 male horse, 1 female horse and 140 lbs of tobacco'. It would therefore seem that as Mrs Espie was within walking distance of the mission station, Espie and his wife were living either on the Makaraka land, or possibly at Opou, Harris's farm. (O.L.C. 1319 and 32a, Poverty Bay Claims 4/21. National Archives.)
63   Emma, later slain in the Te Kooti Poverty Bay massacre, 10 November 1868. (Mackay, op. cit., p. 150.)
64   Kiekie (Freycinetia banksii) a root-climbing shrub that often hides its host tree in quantities of sword-shaped leaves which the Maoris used for weaving baskets.
65   gathering
66   What the rahui was marking is indecipherable; but the cause of Wiremu Kingi's gloom is obvious enough. Rahui was a sign or mark to warn people against trespassing on something that had been placed under tapu--e.g. land or streams or tracks or bush products like berries or birds. 'A rahui was usually marked by . . . setting up a post and attaching thereto a bunch of fern, or suspending on it a garment belonging to the chief who instituted the rahui. Sometimes ... no such material token was used but the word went forth that such a place was placed under tapu.' (Elsdon Best, 'Notes on the Custom of Rahui', Journal of the Polynesian Society, Vol. 13, p. 83.)
67   William Evans was one of the young students for Holy Orders who had been in Selwyn's party from England. He became ill with typhoid fever in Wellington and died on 3 October 1842, being nursed for the last three weeks of his illness by Selwyn. The Bishop arrived in Wellington on 10 September and proposed meeting Williams at Ahuriri after he had made an overland visit to Taranaki, but staying with Evans made him a month late in keeping his appointment with Williams.
68   The Russell was driven on shore at Turanga at the beginning of June 1842. James Stack who was station missionary at the time exerted his influence to save the vessel from being plundered. (J. Stack to C.M.S., 2 December 1843, C.N./078.)
69   ignorant
70   to the top of the steep river bank
71   kit
72   a type of harmonium
73   that the Bishop and Dudley were sick
74   inspect
75   Henry Williams was equally uncomplimentary: 'When did you learn that little Preece was to be formed into a priest. Who next? or who not.' (H. Williams to A. N. Brown, 21 September 1842, A. N. Brown Papers.)
76   A. N. Brown's daughter
77   Between 1842 and 1863 the church services were held in the large meeting house which became known as 'Hamokorau' at Orakaiapu pa. (Mackay, op. cit., p. 166.)
78   Williams is referring to himself; the other two chaplains were T. Whytehead and W. C. Cotton.

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