1974 - Williams, W. The Turanga Journals - 1848 Letters and Journals, p 472-517

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1848

WILLIAM WILLIAMS DIARY

January 1. Preparing papers for Committee & visiting sick natives.

January 2. The usual services today but the native congregations were much dismembered by the influenza which confines many to their homes.

January 4. The tribe Teitangamahaki having had notice to come, this morning they arrived in strong force. The Bible Class I divided between Mr. Reay & Mr. Baker, while I was occupied with a class of 18 candidates. We then proceeded to the business of Committee & in the afternoon we were joined by Mr. Hamlin who is much altered in appearance from frequent attacks of sickness.

[January 5-8 Eastern District Committee meeting attended by Reay, Baker, Hamlin and Williams.]

January 13. Married four couple from Patutahi & then read with a Bible Class of 40 from that place & catechized 6 candidates. Many were absent from sickness, and there was a large number of applicants for medicine. Copied a portion of the minutes & went to evening service.

January 17. Ngatimokai came to read. In the Bible Class there were 112, after which I catechized 38 candidates for baptism. Occupied in the afternoon with writing.

January 18. Only 11 in the Bible Class today from Ngaitawhiri. The larger portion of this tribe are in a most listless state & indeed may be said to have thrown aside their christian profession. Teachers class. Writing.

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January 19. Occupied with Ngatikaipoho, 68 attended the Bible Class & 12 the class of candidates. Writing. Sent off Committee Papers to the Society.

January 25. The Undine arrived in the night & Samuel 1 walked up from Turanganui. Read with the Native Teachers before breakfast & then catechized a class of Te Whanau a Iwi 22 in number. Little Emma still very ill with an attack of fever obliges me to detain the Undine a day or two.

January 26 to January 29. Detained the Undine in the hope that our dear little girl may improve in health so as to allow me to leave home. But she still continues in a very precarious state, and I cannot yet determine what step to take.

January 31. Emma very ill in the night, but an opiate injection at 6 this morning seems to check the violent action of the bowels which is now her chief malady. I concluded therefore to prepare for departure as the vessel must sail today. God has dealt mercifully with us thus far and encourages us to hope for recovery. It behoves me therefore to attend to my appointed work without delay. Completed the preparation for my departure and left with my son and daughter at noon and immediately got under weigh.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS JOURNAL TO THE C.M.S.

[Diary entries in round brackets.]

(February 7. Anchored in Port Nicholson at 11 a.m. Mr. Cole came to us immediately & kindly took our whole party on shore. Mrs. Cole being absent at Nelson we had the command of the home.

February 8. Received a call from Mr. Hobbs 2 whom I was most glad to see. Dined at Mr. St Hills, and on our return we sat up till late to write letters to Turanga but found afterwards that the vessel was gone.)

February 9. Having proceeded to Wellington by the schooner Undine for the purpose of visiting the natives of that place and of all the villages along the coast as far as Turanga, I went today to Te Aro pa an enclosure on the beach at one extremity of the town, which contains several native houses and a chapel. Having given notice of my intention the natives were waiting to receive me. We soon proceeded to the chapel

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where I spent about three hours catechizing the christian natives, and the candidates for Baptism, at the close of which duty I held evening service with them. It was now dark but I had yet to remain to talk to three young men at the request of their parents & friends. Two are baptized but have for some time been leading a very irregular life to which there is unhappily too much temptation. I spoke closely to them and their friends urged them, but it was to no purpose. They said they had no wish to return to the christian community, and must therefore be left to follow their own course.

(February 10. Read with a class of communicants & then went to the Hospital where I met Dr. Fitzgerald & was much pleased with all the arrangements. 3 Samuel left this morning for Waikanae. At one we went to call on Mr. Stokes to see his garden & from thence I went to see Mr. Hobbs.)

February 13. Sunday. For the last three days I have spent much time with the christian natives of the town and neighbourhood who came to me in a small building attached to the house of the Rev. R. Cole under whose hospitable roof I am remaining and this morning at past seven I held morning service with them in the church. At eleven I assisted Mr. Cole in the English service and at half past 2 I had a second native service at which I administered the Lords Supper to 57 communicants. At six in the evening I again preached to the English congregation. In addition to these services Mr. Cole had service with the soldiers at nine in the morning and another at 3 in the afternoon at a valley six miles distant.

(February 14. Walked with Mr. Chapman to Korori & dined at Mr St Hills. Wrote to E.G.M. & to Leonard. Had much interesting conversation with Mr. C. about education & the native population. Samuel retd. from Waikanae.)

February 15. Left Wellington in the afternoon and walked to Pitoone. It was late when I reached the village and the natives had had prayers but I assembled them again in the chapel and had a Bible Class for an hour & a half. The party is well conducted having the chiefs son for a teacher who is a very consistent christian. They complain much of being

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as sheep without a shepherd, being very rarely visited by those who can talk to them.

February 16. After morning prayers had school and then catechized 10 candidates for baptism. As some of the people of the village were proceeding to a small fishing village on the coast (Parangarehu) I accompanied them in the canoe by which means I reduced a journey of one day to that of half a day. Our party now amounted to about 30, principally young men. After food had been prepared the natives gladly came together to read after which we concluded with evening prayers.

(February 17. Left Parangarehu & passed on to Orongorongo where I called upon Mr. Riddiford. Found them at breakfast with their fine family of six children, but two had not said their lessons & were standing by the table with their books. At Mukamuka the tide was too high & we were obliged to remain for the night at a small village.)

February 18. Arrived at Te Kopi, the village at which I usually have a good assembly, but the people had not heard of our approach, and were scattered about at their cultivations. Only nine persons were in the village but a messenger immediately went off in quest of the rest.

February 19. Held morning school with our small party and then went to call upon a respectable settler in the neighbourhood (Mr. Pharazyn) who rents a cattle run from the natives. A white man applied to me on my return about a small matter of difference with a native, who turned out to be a Greek sailor from the island of Ithaca. He belongs of course to the Greek church, and from the nature of his replies to my questions he keeps nearer to the right path than most of the Englishmen of his class ....

February 20. Sunday. Held morning service and administered the Lords Supper. The state of the weather prevented me from having English service at the home of the settler. (Mr. Pharazyn) I therefore remained with the natives and in the evening after service we adjourned to a large house which was lighted up by two large fires on the floor, for the purpose of having catechism.

February 21. Attended morning school, catechized 26 candidates for Baptism & married two couple. Our party then set out up the valley of Wairarapa. We reached the village of Otaraia some time after dark when I assembled the natives to prayers & addressed them. (Called at Mr. Allum's & at Macmasters houses.)

February 22. (Called at Gillies home 4 to see Mr. Drummond 5 who is dangerously ill.) Found a physician (Dr. Knox) 6 there who is come

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over from Wellington to see him. The position of an outsettler may oftentimes be very trying in the matter of affliction. I was glad to observe the bible lying close at hand as though it were in use. Happy are they who are taught to value this precious book when they are going. Proceeded to Huangarua where the people were waiting for us. Spent the afternoon in catechizing 32 communicants and then held evening service.

February 23. Service at seven. Administered the Lords Supper & baptized one child. After breakfast catechized 43 candidates for baptism.

February 24. Called upon two respectable settlers yesterday & remained the night with one of them. (Dined at Capt. Smith. Very civil saw his dairy & 56 dishes of milk, 1501b butter a week. Went on to Mr. Tiffins & staid the night. Saw Mr. Revans, a clever man & one of the leading politicians. He had much to say against the Company's proceedings & the Wakefields generally.) Today I reached Te Kaikokirikiri which is the last village up this extensive valley. The spot is a lovely one. The monotony of the grassy plains is here broken by frequent woods and the high range of Tararua covered to its summit with trees with a number of smaller hills branching from it terminates this important district.

February 28. A little before sunrise we took our departure and after a fatiguing days walk we reached Whareama an hour after sunset. Here we came to an empty village, the natives we supposed being at the seaside, but we learnt afterwards they were gone on to Mataikona to await our arrival.

February 29. Proceeded to the sea coast which we got to in about three hours, and then walked on to Rangiwhakaoma in about 2 hours more where we were abundantly supplied with potatoes and fish. We then went on to Mataikona which we reached an hour after sunset. The people of the neighbourhood are all assembled, being in number about 100, and in addition there is a party of 20 from Wairarapa who are on their way to Cape Kidnappers to cry over the body of a great chief or rather over the survivors for the chief was drowned at sea.

March 1. Attended school and catechized the old people. Catechized the communicants in two classes on the subject of the Lords Supper, being in number 50. The people of this place are exceedingly destitute of food though this is the best part of the season. The ground is poor and the potatoe crop has failed in consequence of the long drought. This would have been in great measure remedied if manure had been used in the culture, which would have advanced the crop before the dry weather came on, but the natives are indisposed to depart from their old customs.

March 2. Held morning service and baptized two infants, and then administered the Lords Supper to 50 communicants, after which I took

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my departure for Akitio where we arrived at 5 o'clock. The people received us with much hospitality to the great satisfaction of my companions who were very hungry.

March 3. Set out at 6 and arrived at Pakuku at nine walking chiefly over stones. Here we breakfasted. Continued our walk with little interruption till 7 in the evening when we reached Porangahau, most thoroughly wearied and glad to retire to rest.

March 4. The party from Wairarapa whom we passed on the road yesterday, arrived this morning, and this was a signal for a general lamentation. It might have been that at the threshing floor of Atad 7 but it has not in it so much sincerity, for it was too evident that it was a matter of form. This business interrupted my proceedings for three hours, but as soon as the excitement was over, I got together the few communicants of the place, and endeavoured to prepare their minds for the solemn ordinance to which they are invited. Many of them are very ignorant and lifeless. Addressed the natives at evening service.

March 5. Sunday. Service and school as usual. Administered the Lords Supper to 28 communicants. In the evening conversed a long time with natives who came round the tent.

March 6. Set out at six and reached Waipukurau at 6 in the evening walking about 25 miles. Most of the christian party of this village are gone to Te Awapuni to meet Mr. Colenso, preparatory to the administration of the Lords Supper, but there were still several persons with whom I had service. Among them was a man named Tuhua whom I had known at Table Cape, and supposed him to be one who paid no regard to religion. As he came to prayers I talked to him about the necessity of making religion a personal matter and not to rest satisfied with being merely present at christian worship. I asked him if he ever prayed, and was gratified to hear him repeat a very simple and expressive form which he says he makes use of. We may hope that there are many in the way of righteousness of whom we know little.

March 8. Set out for Tamumu a small village where was a sick man. Talked with a very old man who seemed to have some little idea of religion. He spoke of having seen me some years ago at Table Cape. He says he prays every day using the Lords Prayer. Arrived at Patangata in the afternoon, and remained with the few people who are left in the village, most of the people being gone to Te Awapuni to be ready for the Lords Supper.

March 9. After a long walk under a burning sun we reached Awapuni at 4 in the afternoon. As soon as we were recognised by the natives they came pouring out of the houses to the number of about 100 and lined the path ready to shake hands. I was much relieved by the receipt

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of a letter from home announcing that our dear little girl, whom I had left in a most dangerous state, was recovered. I had been travelling with a heavy heart almost afraid to hear, but God has been better to me than all my fears.

March 11. The natives have been anxiously waiting for an interview about Mr. Colenso's removal inland, the present station being unhealthy and dangerous on account of high floods. We talked for some hours this morning, and at length settled that Waipukurau shall be the new station. 8

March 12. Sunday. Preached to the natives, morning and evening and administered the Lords Supper assisted by Mr. Colenso to 143 communicants.

March 13. (Wrote a letter to Mr. Hadfield about the charges against Mr. Colenso. 9 ) Attended another meeting of the natives about Mr. Colensos removal. Some of those living in this neighbourhood are unwilling to lose Mr. Colenso, but yet they see the necessity of his removal. At noon I took leave ....

March 15. Breakfasted at Waikari. On our way thither we met with a letter on the road. It was a rough piece of wood upon which was written with charcoal that Mr. Hamlin had been to the village of Mohaka five days before to meet me but had returned. About four miles from Mohaka we met with another letter written upon a stick which was stuck into the ground by the side of about two bushels of Water melons. The letter directed that no one should meddle with the melons until "Te Wiremu" (Williams) should arrive. We got to Mohaka late in the evening. Had prayers with my own natives, many of the people of the place joining with us.

March 16. Mr. Hamlin had been here to arrange the Communicants. After morning prayers I catechized them to the number of 31 and then examined a class of 17 candidates for Baptism. Then assembled the communicants again and administered the Lords Supper. In the afternoon we left the village and proceeded as far as Waihua. Here was a miserable instance of all that satan can do for his volaries. A poor old man who has long been the subject of disease, for the relief of which he has in vain consulted a native priest, is now on the point of death. I talked to him about a Saviour, but he says, it is too late, that he cannot now understand, and I find he has made the same reply to Mr. Hamlin.

March 17. Left at sunrise and reached Wairoa at one o'clock.

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March 18. Mr. Hamlin has already spent much time with the communicants as he expected me last week. During the day I examined 39 candidates for Baptism in four classes, who are to be admitted into the church tomorrow.

March 19. Sunday. A large congregation of about six hundred persons, some of whom however evidently came from curiosity as they loitered about outside the chapel. The building itself was closely packed, and all who were inside were attentive. I preached both morning and afternoon, and Mr. Hamlin read prayers & assisted in the administration of the Lords Supper to 143 communicants. In the afternoon Mr. Hamlin baptized the 39 catechumens.

March 21. Got to Nuhaka at noon. Conversed with the communicants who had already been examined by Mr. Hamlin, and in the evening administered the Lords Supper to 65 persons. I observe many whose faces I have forgotten, and who have been in the back ground for the last two or three years.

March 22. Attended school and catechized a large class of scripture readers. After this I had a class 53 candidates for baptism whom I shortly examined and left a memorandum for Mr. Hamlin respecting a few of them. Called at the whaling station at Waikokopu. Mr Perry 10 wishes me to encourage the natives to assist him by engaging to pull in the boats, an experiment which has already been tried and found subversive of the principles of Christianity because Sunday is made a day of work whenever there are whales in sight and thus the sanctity of the sabbath being broken, every other part of the fabric gives way also. Reached Oraka early in the afternoon and catechized 43 communicants, after which I held evening prayers.

March 23. After morning prayers & school, I examined 37 candidates for baptism in two classes & left a memorandum for Mr. Hamlin respecting them. They have been well attended to by Isaac the teacher who keeps the village in good order, and being also the chief of the tribe is able to carry out his plans with effect. At noon proceeded to Nukutaurua which is the principal village on Table Cape. Had a congregation of about 300 at evening prayers. Talked with the natives on various matters in the evening.

March 24. A large morning school. From the list of candidates for Baptism I examined 25 of those who stand foremost in four classes & passed them for Baptism. In the afternoon I catechized 60 communicants in two classes and concluded the day with evening prayers.

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March 25. Examined the remainder of the candidates for Baptism, but the larger number were rejected; some who are young are not able to read and others have not been long enough on the list, and many are ignorant, and do not in other respects exhibit signs of fitness. In the afternoon I examined the remainder of the communicants. Many are pressing forward with a desire of partaking of the Lords Supper, and express a wish to repent them truly and profess a reliance upon Christ alone for salvation, but it is to be feared that their real christian feeling is very deficient.

March 26. Sunday. The congregation in the morning consisted of about 350 persons. Baptized the 40 candidates who had been examined on the two preceding days. Administered the Lords Supper to 135 communicants & baptized nine children.

[Arrived home March 27--'all well'.]

WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO HENRY WILLIAMS Turanga 18 January 1848

The Plain Facts have just reached me, and I am much pleased to see so respectable a publication. Mr. Maunsell writes me word that he much likes the publication & thinks that the facts are stubborn ....

You will see my letter to your son Henry, I have not much more to say on the subject: but what you urge does not present to me any objection. Our Bishop is not the only Bishop in this part of the world. I should never consent to a son of mine receiving ordination here unless there were a clear understanding that Priests orders would follow in due course. 11 But on the other hand I should require a much higher qualification than our Bishop does. I much fear that he will make a wreck of the vessel before he has done with her. I look anxiously for news from Mr. Kissling upon the doings at headquarters. 12 . . .

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Poor Mr. Hamlin is in a very cratchety state. He has been labouring under a serious complaint of the liver for the last two years & is much gone off. He is now going up to Auckland to consult the doctors and when in their hands they will perhaps make him worse. Mr. Colenso has been nearly carried away by the flood & is obliged to move inland & Mr. Baker has been well nigh carried away by the sea. 13 So you see we are all in a moving way, and are ready for whatever changes may be called for.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO HENRY WILLIAMS Turanga 27 January 1848

I always look for some new feature every time we get news from the north, and am seldom disappointed. Among other things the sudden movement of the Bishop is truly extraordinary, 14 and I cannot but regard it as having been promoted by the present aspect of affairs. Surely the College never required more presence of its head. With respect to yourself I think you have much reason to thank God that prospects are brightening. The Facts seem to carry with them all the weight that could have been desired. An article in the New Zealander is most striking. While there is an attempt to make it appear that the whole has been got up to bear upon the land question, it is a ridiculous failure, but the testimony in favour of yourself & the missionaries is abundantly satisfactory. It is so much the more weighty as coming from one who takes the other side of the question. 15 I suppose there is a new Blue Book arrived from which the Governor's correspondence makes its way before the public. Every single expression seems to stamp him as an extraordinary man--clever but very short sighted. If he could have calculated upon leaving the country before these disclosures were made he would have done well, but now it comes thicker & faster upon him, & I think he will have to run for it. It is indeed a short sighted policy which

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permits a man to write his own condemnation knowing that in a few months the world must know all the truth. A thief or a swindler calculates upon the chances of escaping detection, but here it is impossible. Now if the Governor can be easy now that his gross misrepresentations are coming to light, he will shew a most astonishing degree of the absence of all the finer feelings of human nature, to say nothing for christian feeling.

Our Bishop too is a clever man in some respects, that is he has great ability, but misapplied, and the powerful discernment he shews in some matters makes him leap over many things which a more ordinary mind quickly detects. In your case he will most certainly find that he has committed a capital blunder, and then the vexation that will follow will be mortifying in the extreme. As to your position with him, I should not recommend you to say another word, good, bad or indifferent but wait patiently and all will be right at last.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO HENRY WILLIAMS Wellington 7 February 1848

Here am I at the southern capital and was this morning taken for you by Christophers old servant Mrs. Jacob, though she said afterwards that she thought I had grown very thin. Samuel & Mary are here and will soon be domiciled in their new habitation at Waikanae. In the meantime she is making acquaintance with a few of the good people of this place, of whom there are a few who are worthy people. The Plain Facts are here, but I have not yet heard any remark except that Govr. Grey has said that it was written by yourself. I shall see Mr. Stokes the Editor of the Guardian tomorrow & shall know more about the matter. Mr. S. is a very friendly man. Mr Hadfield is much put out with the Bishop in many respects. He speaks of the absurdity of understanding the Societys letter as the Bishop professed to do . . . Governor Grey is by no means popular. I asked Mrs. St Hill how he was liked. She replied; 'He gives no one an opportunity of liking him, he keeps himself so much aloof. There have been besides some few acts of his which have given great umbrage, in which he has talked largely without being able to do anything. Rauparaha is very quiet now he is back and is likely to continue so--the more so as Samuel will be at his elbow. I left my card here at Govt. House, taking care to call when he was likely to be from home ....

We are all staying at Mr. Coles. He is a man you would much like on acquaintance. One of the most thoroughly kind & friendly men I ever met with --but he wants a little light upon the main subject. His wife is very unwell & is gone over to Nelson for a change of air. 16 Mr.

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C. is just getting up a small church on Te Aro flat. He will then have four churches to serve, and no assistant. 17

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

LEONARD WILLIAMS TO HIS PARENTS Penyard Park at sea

February 11 1848

If we go on at the same rate as we are going now we shall get to Cape Horn in about a fortnight. We have found it very cold already and are beginning to get chilblains. The weather here for the most part is cold, raw, and foggy . . . They tell us that they generally see Icebergs about here ... I hope we shall not go along without seeing any. It will be a great pity if we do ... .

We find Captain Weller pretty agreeable but he has some curious ways about him. When we have our karakia in the cuddy he always either shuts himself up in his cabin or else he stays on deck. He often tries to cheer poor Mr. Stack up but it is a difficult matter to get him out of his strange fancies. He sometimes looks pretty well and oftener very miserable indeed.

February 29

We got round Cape Horn on Friday last. We passed closer to it than is usual and we saw an island to the south west of the Cape ... It was quite a treat to see a little land after so much moana. It was the first that we have seen since we left the coast of New Holland. We are now somewhere between the longitude of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia ....

Our Captain never attends the service ... I do not know what class of people he belongs to. Mr. Stack seems rather miserable. He has tried to go overboard once but was stopped just as he was going over. He often stands looking at the water .... He called me into his cabin one morning and shewed me his hand and said that it was evident that it was not the hand of a living man, that he was nothing but a dead body . . . and that he had no other alternative but to be thrown overboard. Sometimes he makes a good deal of noise in the night.

WILLIAMS MS COLLECTION (GISBORNE)

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WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO EDWARD MARSH Wellington 14 February 1848

You have been regaled for some time past with various communications from Henry and myself about the difficulties which have been encountered with the Bishop and the Governor arising out of the land claims .... In the meantime the Bishop writes most graciously to me in the strain of the greatest confidence, though upon this question of the land I wholly differed from him when at Auckland. You will probably have heard that which I am about to mention, at least if the Bishops proposition is entertained at home. But as the Bishop has written in confidence, I give the substance of his letter to you as a third person, my wife being the second. He states that he has written to the Abp. of Canterbury to recommend that the Archdeaconries of Tauranga & Waiapu should be erected into separate Sees & that the Archdeacons should be appointed to them respectively. Now in the first place I think it most unlikely that such a proposal would be sanctioned at home. If any change be made it will be a separation of the Southern Province from the Northern, making the town of Wellington with its dependencies the centre of this arrangement. But as for the Archdeaconry of Waiapu which contains a population of only 12,000 natives & is not likely to be settled by our own countrymen, except that part of it which is naturally connected with Wellington and is in fact a part of the southern province, to give to this the name of a Bishoprick, would be indeed an empty measure which could not be attended with much benefit to the church. Such being the case, if the offer should be made to me I would refuse it. 18 The Bishop has it in prospect to establish a College down in this quarter, & my name has also been placed in connexion with that. This on the other hand I would not refuse because after witnessing the failure which has attended the experiment at Auckland in the hands of a man of superior talents, I venture to think that a more moderate capacity may be equal to the class of duties which are required. There are many respectable persons in this district who without knowing all that is objectionable in the College at Auckland, are yet abundantly dissatisfied with it and will hail most gladly the establishment of anything more efficient 19 ....

Poor Mr. Townshend I have been to see today. He has been in much difficulty through getting into the lawyer hands, and he has withal been roguishly dealt with by a man in whose store he had placed some property & who afterwards sold it for his own benefit. I have recommended him today, as I did formerly, to return to England as soon as possible & he tells me he is only waiting to hear from his father before he takes this step. It was a great mistake on his fathers part to send a

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young man so wholly without experience to make his way through the roughest part of this wide world.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

WILLIAM WILLIAMS DIARY April 1848

April 1. Went to the Pa & occupied with natives. Mr. Harris called & letters arrived from Auckland.

April 2. Sunday. A very large congregation. Whatas people were all present & also many from Whangara. Two native services & one English.

April 3. Ngatimaru & the people of Whangara attended the classes. In the Bible Class there were 99 & 60 in the candidate class. Spoke afterwards about the erection of a new chapel which the natives seem to be anxious about. They have proposed a meeting for the purpose on Thursday ....

April 6. Bible Class of 58 from Patutahi & 10 candidates for Baptism. Talked with natives about some of the vagaries of the wahu doctors 20 which have been encouraged in their village. Cooper took his departure for Wairoa. 21 Service at the chapel in the evening.

April 7. Thirty two in the Bible Class from Wherowhero & 35 in the candidates class. Late in the evening a messenger arrived from Mr. Baker to inform us of the death of Mr. Reay who was called away from his labour on the 31st. This intelligence comes upon us most unexpectedly. We have only heard that Mr. R. was somewhat indisposed but were not prepared for so serious an issue. Went in the afternoon to the chapel to arrange the new seats.

April 15. Catechized 54 of Ngatimaru in two classes for the Lords Supper. Very few are likely to partake of this ordinance in consequence of the countenance given to Nonoi & Pototi. 22 Cut glass for the school windows. Rain fell for the first time in any quantity for many weeks.

April 16. Sunday. Two native & one English, however the English congregation now consists of little more than my own family, but even this is a great refreshment.

April 18. Teachers class at 7 & then had a small class of 12 from Ngaitawhiri. We spent much time together but the result was not

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satisfactory. The party has been too much involved in giving countenance to Pototi to allow one of them to receive the Lords Supper. Finished cutting glass. Wrote to the Society.

April 19. 89 natives from Ngatikaipoho & 11 from Ngaiteoneone, and only 23 to be admitted.

April 20. Seventy natives attended the classes today for the Lords Supper. Ngaitakote & Ngatiwharerauaruhe. Held service in the evening. Natives from Wherowhero & Taikawakawa.

April 21. Good Friday. Service morning & evening & English service at noon. A large number of natives present. In the evening I heard that Nonoi the woman who has caused so much trouble among our christian natives has been sent away from the place at which she has been living. The natives are beginning to feel their exclusion from the Lords Supper & thus the exercise of discipline has brought about that which otherwise might not have been effected.

April 27. Fifty three christian natives from Patutahi but only a small proportion of them will be admitted to the Lords Supper. Many have been led away by a native doctor, who in addition to his infusion of herbs, uses also divers enchantments. They have been warned of this, that they cannot assent to these vain superstitions and partake of the Supper of the Lord.

April 29. Went to see Paratene Pototi who has long been in disgrace for his misconduct. The cause being now removed, I have been to receive him back into the christian community. Proceeded thence to Toanga where I propose administering the Lords Supper tomorrow. Examined a class of 46 communicants and then held evening prayers and addressed the natives on the subject before us.

April 30. Sunday. Our little chapel was filled with about 300 natives and 122 received the Lords Supper. One poor man who was brought in a canoe for the purpose of being present was too unwell to be with us, but I went afterwards to his house & finding him to be in a very satisfactory state of mind, I administered this ordinance to him there.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO HENRY WILLIAMS Turanga 5 April 1848

I have not had anything from you for some time not even a short note, but I have read two of your letters in the paper .... I have read with much satisfaction the various articles in the Southern Cross and I have been equally pleased with some of Mr. Carltons articles in the New Zealander. It is amusing to see how that paper blows hot and

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cold in successive numbers, as it changes Editors. 23 In Mr. Carlton there is no mistake. He cares for no man, and his superior talent qualifys him for cutting most severely those he is disposed to lash. 24 His advice to the "Opposition" is most severe. I should think His Excellency must have writhed under it. As the Editor says if he has compounded many such documents as the Blood & Treasure despatch, he is a ruined man .... By this time our friends at home are in possession of a mass of evidence which is all sufficient & Captain Grey instead of looking upward towards the Governorship of N. S. Wales or some other important Colony may expect to retire to the shade. 25 I should imagine him to be a man of extremely callous feeling & therefore he may be insensitive to shame . . . How can the Bishop regard the state of affairs? A single false step made by the Govr. might be excused, but a systematic course of misrepresentation, hazarding the ruin & good fame of those against whom his efforts have been made--and that too without any adequate object held out, not even that of building up his own reputation at the expense of others, betrays a total absence of moral feeling. Now as the plot discovers itself what can the Bishop think of it? Will he be honest enough to acknowledge that the missionaries have been basely treated by the Governor? I hear that His Lordship has been to Paihia but that you were from home.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO C.M.S. Turanga 12 April 1848

At Waiapu ... the work of instruction was long carried on by native teachers alone, and the three missionaries who have since had the care of them were much interrupted in their work by ill health. I venture to hope not only that the idea which was expressed some time ago of withdrawing your mission from New Zealand, on the ground that as a British colony the work should fall into other hands, is abandoned--but further, that you will be prepared under our very pressing difficulties to send us two or three really substantial men to fill up some of the gaps which now exist . . . Much of this country will remain without the boundary of colonization simply because it is not worth colonizing and

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such portions seem to be as properly a missionary field as can be found. The natives are not in any degree nearer to that desirable condition of supporting a ministry among themselves, than they were when they first professed Christianity. All, I conceive, that can be expected from them for some time to come will be that they erect their own places of worship and contribute towards the support of schools for their children ....

When at Wellington last I was told by Judge Chapman of a serious charge which had been preferred against Mr. Colenso--that he was reported to use all his influence to prevent the natives from working upon the government road, and that he told the natives that the payment they received was "payment for blood"; which was explained to mean that the road would open the way for the English to go and cut them off. When I reached Heretaunga I found that Mr. Colenso had received an official enquiry from the Lieut. Governor into the truth of the report. Now for the facts of the case. A profligate Englishman working as an overseer on the roads had endeavoured to obtain a child about twelve years of age to live with him, and had sent to the mother a few yards of print as a payment. The mother and father both profess Christianity. The former favored the application and said her child should go, but the child refused, and said she was not a pig to be sold for a gown, and that when she wanted a husband she would have a native. The mother was still urging the point when Mr. Colenso visited the village and pressed that the print should be returned saying that it was the price of blood, involving the destruction of both soul & body of the child. This effort succeeded, and hence the indignation of the man vented itself in a gross calumny ....

I am thankful to report favorably of the natives generally . . . New Zealand christians cannot be compared with the early christians of Greece and Rome in the apostles days, many of whom were ready almost immediately to become the teachers of others .... The question may be asked, Why have not the missionaries done more to bring forward some of the young persons, who many of them exhibit no ordinary degree of intelligence? I will answer for myself. They made me a keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard have I not kept. Fancy a clergyman being required to itinerate from London to Edinburgh and back on foot, & then to Southampton & back again . . . and then when he is at home having charge, in addition to all other matters, of 300 candidates for Baptism & of 700 regular attendants at Bible Classes, who have been left in the interval not to the care of a competent curate, but to teachers who require themselves to be taught . . . This answer may perhaps suffice.

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WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO EDWARD MARSH Turanga 24 April 1848

My last letter was written from Wellington the day before I left that place on my return home ...

Leaving our daughter Mary and her husband on the eve of their departure to Waikanae, I set out on my six weeks walk to Poverty Bay. In the course of this journey I met with orderly congregations at every village, and administered the Lords Supper to a large number of communicants. The result of observation over this extensive district is that Christianity is progressing steadily in every place, and the occasional checks it has received from such events as the plunder of the American brig at Table Cape or the revival of the heathenish practice of tattooing at Turanga, have in the end made rather for the furtherance of the gospel, so that now those natives who were implicated in these declensions, are back again in the right track, and it is to be hoped have their eyes opened more to a sense of their own weakness.

[Comments on Reay's death.] We are now thrown into greater difficulty than we were on Mr. Kisslings removal, because there does not appear to be any person to fill up the gap, unless we can find a lever powerful enough to remove Mr. Matthews from Kaitaia. 26 I think the Bishop will be driven by the pressure both within and without to break through his stringent regulations and admit the remainder of our catechists to deacons orders and the deacons to the order of priests. Of this I am sure that our catechists are better candidates than any that are prepared in St. Johns College. 27

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Our Bishop will by this time feel himself in an awkward predicament. Having more faith in Captn. Grey's honesty than in the integrity of the missionaries, he has made common cause with the Governor against us . . . and now the Bishop must have the mortification of seeing the opinions of all honest men given against him. How he will get out of this difficulty I am at a loss to imagine, for it will be very much against his natural temper to make a retraction. This trouble comes upon the Bishop in addition to his heavy responsibilities, the care of all the churches, and a college too which is crumbling to ruins.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

WILLIAM WILLIAMS JOURNAL TO THE C.M.S.

May 1. The banns of two couple having been duly published, the ceremony was to take place this morning, but it was announced that one of the bridegrooms was hesitating to take the fatal step. The friends were much disconcerted but after some persuasion he came forward and submitted to his fate.

May 2. Occupied with Rauiri Te Eke who came to talk about a vessel which the natives are wishing to purchase. I advise them to have nothing to do with it, because among other reasons they are not likely to raise the payment. The chief Whata then came and talked a long time. He was the leader of the tattooing party mentioned some months ago. He is now in a better state and desires to attend the class of candidates, but has been waiting until he has removed the bones of two of his children who died while he was in disgrace.

May 3. Our morning school has much revived of late, and for some time has numbered more than sixty. Prepared for a journey to East Cape.

[Williams' pastoral visits to the villages between Hicks Bay and Turanga occupied him from May 4 to June 8. The following are Journal extracts. Diary entries in round brackets.]

May 12. Arriving there [Waipiro] we took refuge in a native house where a good fire soon dried our clothes. Eruera, the teacher of this place is an energetic man. On my first visit to Waiapu 11 years ago, he attracted my attention by the earnestness with which he listened to instruction. He now occupies an important post and fills it with satisfaction. He seemed disappointed when I told him I had no intention of holding a baptism. He said there had not been one at this place nor for any of the natives on this side of Rangitukia since the Bishop held the confirmation in 1845, and that Mr. Reay had proposed to come here last April. At the same time he said that the candidates had been regularly catechized twice every week. Under these circumstances I felt

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it necessary to alter my plan and examine the candidates. As a preparatory step I took down the list of those in this village amounting to 99.

May 13. I sat closely the whole day with the candidates spending nine hours with 56 of them. There were many very ignorant and were consequently rejected, but there are many also whom it is of consequence to receive into the church. After evening prayers I spent an hour and a half with the communicants who are to receive the Lords Supper tomorrow. Concluded my classes at eleven at night, and then moved into my tent to sleep, as the cockroaches in the native house were very troublesome last night.

May 14. Sunday. Service at i past nine. Administered the Lords Supper to 39 communicants. After service went to an Englishmans house close by and held a short service with him. He had taken a walk of 12 miles that morning in quest of two other Englishmen, that they also might come to service, but he did not succeed in finding them.

May 15. Baptized eight children during morning prayers, and then proceeded to Akuaku distant about 3 miles. The teacher of this place is a very steady man, and his chapel is a proof of his attention to his duties. The enclosure round it is a neat stone wall which has a very pleasing effect, and his own house also is in good order and though there is not much variety of furniture it exhibits the following useful articles; a steel mill for wheat, two sieves and three sickles. Here I spent four hours, and examined 30 candidates for baptism. Then went on three miles to Whareponga. This is a village of some consequence, and there are now assembled several persons from two villages inland, who are come in expectation of a baptism. When I arrived prayers were just over. Examined 12 candidates in the evening.

May 16. About 250 natives were closely packed in the chapel at morning prayers. I addressed them briefly from the lesson and then proceeded with the classes. Examined 49 candidates during the day. It is pleasing to find that a very large proportion are able to read, and though there is much ignorance particularly among the old people, yet there are many who appear to be fit subjects for baptism.

May 17. After morning prayers married two couple and then proceeded with the examination of candidates which I continued till ten at night. One old man is particularly worthy of notice. About 70 years of age, he has always lived in a secluded part of the valley of Waiapu at the foot of the mountain Hikurangi where in time of war there used to be a large fortified village. Most of the people have of late moved to the seaside but he continued with a small party at his favorite spot. He has had little intercourse with white people not even missionaries, but he has received the principles of the gospel from native teachers. While questioning him to ascertain his knowledge, he exhibited much animation and as he sat upon the ground he disengaged the upper

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part of his body from his loose garment that his arm might be at liberty which he used freely with the natural gestures of a native speaker to give effect to his words. (He chose the name of Marsden as his christian name.)

May 18. Baptized this morning 75 adults which is the number selected out of 137 candidates .... The teacher at Korotere is from the Bay of Islands and is one of our most steady natives and has done much good in his sphere. He lives in a good boarded house which he has erected for himself and has a comfortable room for my accommodation. We talked till a late hour about the affairs of the district, and he mentioned many interesting particulars of the latter part of Mr. Reays illness, which I should not have learnt from any other source. At 2 held a baptism of the adults and at 3 a baptism of the children. The latter was the most noisy baptism I ever witnessed. About half the number of children kept up a constant singing during the whole service. About an hour before sunset I proceeded to Rangitukia, and took up my quarters in the mission house. A large party of natives remained with me till a late hour. (They talked much about Mrs. Reay.)

May 24. Attended school and then set out to Hekawa in Hicks Bay near Te Kawakawa. Held evening prayers & then read with a large Bible class. These natives are now as sheep without a shepherd, and are glad to catch at a little instruction.

May 25. [Te Kawakawa, Hicks Bay.] The natives on this side of the Cape are in a very low state, and many have thrown aside the profession of Christianity being much influenced by Houkamau a heathen chief who endeavors to draw aside as many as he can. But still there are many who seek the truth and I hope that a better arrangement of the native teachers will have a beneficial effect upon the lukewarm.

May 28. Sunday. [Rangitukia] Went to morning service at half past nine. The congregation was about 500 including the children who were 70. They were under the necessity of packing very closely, and it was quite interesting to see before service commenced how the people at different times condensed their position as it became necessary to make room for new arrivals. At length when the building was well crammed, a few solitary individuals would work their way into the centre and look around for some spot where there appeared to be a chance of obtaining a sitting, and then on reaching the desired spot, they dropped into their places like the last wedges of a large piece of machinery, rendering the whole a solid mass. Our service was interesting because very attentive. The communicants were about 147. At the conclusion of the service assembled the children who are a very interesting group, & catechized them for half an hour. They have school every day, but they would profit by more systematic attention. Mr. Reay had just commenced an improved plan, 28 when his removal threw everything back into its old course. During the afternoon service baptized 11 children.

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May 29. Set out from Rangitukia at eight o'clock and got to Reporua at twelve where I remained for four hours to examine candidates, and then went on to Tuparoa to sleep. This is a central village, and here I propose to hold a baptism on Sunday next, the interval being taken with the examinations. Spent the evening with Joseph the teacher in classifying the candidates. There are in all more than 250 to be examined.

May 30. Spent 12 hours with the candidates and examined 56. Some of these were excessively ignorant and called forth much exercise of patience.

June 1. An Englishman (named Sturley) 29 called upon me. He is more respectable than many of the whites who live among the natives. I enquired from him the general behaviour of the natives towards himself and other white people. He replied that while there are many troublesome natives, he thought there was not much to complain of considering what the natives were formerly, and the disadvantages under which they have laboured from the want of regular care of missionaries. Preached to the natives in the evening.

June 2. Proceeded with the examination of natives from Whareponga, whom I had not time to attend to last week. Twelve hours of this work daily is extremely heavy, but I have no remedy.

June 3. Completed the examination of the candidates and catechized the communicants. Of the candidates I reserved to the last those who had not made up their minds to put away the wives they had in excess of one each. These I recommended to consider this point at once in order that they might be eligible at the next baptism. One good natured looking man sat with a respectable wife on each side. After giving him my advice I asked him what he thought about the matter. When looking very wistfully first upon one wife and then upon the other he replied these women must settle the point.

June 4. Sunday. Baptized 141 adults at morning service which was not concluded till 2 o'clock, when I had a short service with two Englishmen who came for the purpose. Then proceeded with the administration of the Lords Supper to 119 native and in the evening baptized 99 children.

June 9. Occupied throughout the day in talking with different parties of natives, who have always at such times an accumulation of difficulties to settle.

June 10. Prepared packages of Testaments for villages at East Cape. In the afternoon I had a meeting with some of the Native Teachers about an old native custom (the kaihaukai) of making large presents of food or property of any kind, which is to be repaid in kind after a

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lapse of a year or two. It has long been acknowledged that this practice is attended with much evil and the natives proposed long ago to give up the practice. But during my absence at Waiapu they took the opportunity of having an assemblage on a large scale, and one of the teachers took a prominent part. This teacher did not attempt to defend the course he had taken and promises to discourage any thing of the kind in future.

[Station duties for the remainder of June.]

JANE WILLIAMS TO CATHERINE HEATHCOTE Turanga 12 June 1848

When I wrote to you by Leonard last Novr., I requested you to recommend me some school books for my little girls, who now begin to require a good deal of attention--more indeed than I am able to give them. Jane however is a valuable assistant in teaching her sisters, and possesses great firmness and patience as well as good temper. But we are greatly in want of books suitable for children their age . . . We are chiefly in want of histories having none but what are too voluminous, or written in a style quite above the comprehension of children. Also grammars, good geographies and spelling books. I shall also feel obliged if you will select some music that will be likely to do for Maria who began to learn while she was at Paihia & I have endeavoured to keep her going on as she seems to have a tolerable notion and is fond of it ... Of course I cannot do much for her but she may by & bye have an opportunity of getting a little regular instruction, and we shall then be glad of something that is good in its way, for we do not like the sort of music to be had at Auckland. Lydia would play well with good instruction. Since she has been here I have looked back to the good old days of the Palace 30 very often, and wished for some of the nice sonatas, airs with variations, and other pretty things that used to be practised there. We do not let our children learn music with the idea of their becoming great proponents, or for the sake of shewing off, but to gratify their papas and mammas who find a little music cheering and soothing at the end of a toilsome day. Being very loyal people let us have "God save the Queen" with the words and "Rule Britannia" also with the words, and likewise Handel's "Blacksmith". The parcel can either be sent in Maria's box, or forwarded to Messrs Dixon 12 Fenchurch St. 31 with a request to pass it on to us.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

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WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO ALFRED BROWN Turanga 26 June 1848

I am glad to find that your testimony was added to Mr. Kisslings and my own upon certain points in the Bishops charge. You seem inclined to be satisfied with the Bishops reply to your remarks. He expressed himself to me in a plausible manner as he has done on some former occasions, particularly about the school--but so far as I can learn he has made no alteration. When I first spoke about the school, His Lordship seemed to take my remarks to heart, and acknowledged freely the justice of them, and the next morning he laid on right and left upon our friends Hutton & Dale--but it all came to nothing and so too of two subsequent conversations upon the same subject . . . .

[Criticizes Selwyn's remarks about the 'three worthies'--Pusey, Keble and Newman in the Bishop's charge.] I look upon it as a piece of infatuation that he should not feel himself at liberty to withdraw the whole passage. If that passage sees the light it will thenceforth be in vain for him to protest, as he has frequently done, that he is no Tractarian. 32 Yet ... his feelings are so strong in favour of that body, I had rather that the passage should remain, in as much as we have done our duty. I did my best to break the candlesticks & to upset the intonation, but no, they continue I am told just as they were. There is much that I have admired in the Bishop, and I used to think that he was open to conviction and could alter many things for the better, but I am now out of heart. He professes great respect for the religious creed of the missionaries, and has given substantial proof of his confidence in some of us--and Judge Martin said to me in a most pointed manner, when urging me to speak plainly to the Bishop, that he knew the Bishop had a very high respect for my opinion--and yet, it seems to me, that he has a much higher respect for very different opinions from ours ....

It is said our friend Nihil stands next for ordination and is to officiate among the vessels. Will you present him or shall I? I guess that neither of us will be applied to.

A. N. BROWN PAPERS MICRO MS (ATL)

WILLIAM WILLIAMS JOURNAL TO THE C.M.S.

July 5. Read with a Bible Class of 94 christian natives from the tribe Ngatikaipoho and catechized 16 candidates for baptism. Then set out for Taikawakawa and arrived at sunset. Held service and catechized a class of 25 candidates from the village of Whareongaonga.

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July 6. Attended morning school. A large party is over from Whareongaonga, some of whom have been at variance for some time with the teacher and have withdrawn from the chapel holding service by themselves. They are now come to see me and talk over the matter. I proposed therefore to have this subject settled before I met the Bible class hoping to bring all parties together. About an hour was spent to no purpose the disaffected party not shewing a disposition to come to terms. I called the principal persons by name to put an end to their differences, and to unite in the duty which was before us but to no purpose. I read therefore with a Bible class of 40 and then called for the candidates. The separatists at length yielded and came into this class. The candidates were 38 and about 14 christian natives with them. Returned homewards and catechized a class of 37 at Wherowhero.

July 15. Went to Turanganui and found the people at work in the wheat fields. They immediately left their work, when I read with them and catechized them for an hour and a half.

July 18. The teachers class met immediately after prayers when I went over the subject for the sermon next Sunday morning. After the lecture was over I heard that a neighbouring chief is taking steps to revive a feast which all the christian natives agree in thinking had better be put down. 33 Sent off a letter to meet the party who are gone up the river with a quantity of food for this purpose. Read with the Bible class from Ngaitawhiri. It numbered 48 after which I catechized 34 candidates.

July 19. Prepared to go inland to the place where this feast is to be held and then read with the Bible class from the tribe Ngatikaipoho 76 in number and catechized 9 candidates. Rode to Patutahi whither a large quantity of food consisting principally of bags of flour and kumara had arrived from the party mentioned yesterday. This is a present in return for 8 sacks of flour given last year but the quantity far exceeds the original present, and there is also other property, three flourmills & garments of various descriptions. The natives are all agreed that the practice is unsatisfactory, that there is always an immense waste of food, not eaten but actually lost from exposure to the weather, and the present being a time of great scarcity, the sacrifice will be felt the more. Besides which there is frequently much grumbling when the balance of exchange happens to be against either party. The natives have long talked of doing away with the custom, but there are some parties fond of novelty who try to keep up the mischief. I talked with some of the chiefs and recommended them what course to take. As the evening closed a good concourse came together to prayers & afterwards I had a Bible Class of 45.

July 20. Catechized 12 candidates & then crossed the river to see the display of food. Some of the chiefs of Patutahi proposed to receive

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only an equivalent for what they had formerly given, & to send back the rest. But this proposal called forth much angry feeling, and it was at length settled that the whole should be received, and that they should make up the difference in food & property. As soon as the word was given there was a general bustle and heap was set against heap, generally to the satisfaction of the owners, but in some cases the property was taken back again. In the afternoon I proceeded to Taureka, where a large party was waiting for me. The principal house of the village, for the chapel, is still only in preparation, was thronged with upwards of 150 persons. After prayers I had a Bible Class of 107.

July 22. During my absence from home a large wedding party arrived from East Cape there being six couple. The fatigue of five hard days journey will have given the parties opportunity for consideration before taking the important step.

July 31. Began the school for Teachers & Monitors which is to continue three weeks. Nearly all belonging to the district are come amounting to 49 including a few of the wives. They attended first the morning school at half past seven for one hour, which is held regularly on the station, and then they assembled at ten and continued till half past one. Our occupation today was reading, writing a long exercise on the Church Catechism, Sums & an outline of Geography.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO LEONARD WILLIAMS Turanga 1 July 1848

We have heard two or three times from Otaki which is much approved of as a place of residence. Old Rauparaha continues to behave well and has been very strenuous since he recovered his liberty in forwarding the erection of a chapel which is to be a very splendid building. A spirit of emulation often assists in the accomplishment of great ends, though the disposition itself may be incorrect. It is said that a large chapel at Waikanae was put up with an idea of surpassing the building we had at Turanga which was blown down before it was completed. Rauparahas chapel is to be superior to that at Waikanae, and now the people of Turanga are stirred up to make another attempt, and they wish not merely to have a building large & good but also to carve the posts. I am doubtful about this latter proposal because the natives cannot strike out into any new designs and the horrible figures they are accustomed to make, are hardly suitable for a place of worship. I tell them they must refer the question to the Bishop the next time he comes.

You would be much surprized to hear of the death of Mr Reay . . . Mrs. Reay poor woman is much to be pitied, for she has none of that comfort which most missionaries wives receive under such bereavement,

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not that she grieves for her husband, but she is left solitary in a strange land, and she is such a "whanoke", 34 that no one will give her credit & none care to befriend her ....

William Baker writes word from Whanganui that he is very comfortable at Mr. Taylors but he complains that he has only two children in his native school. Ebenezer on the other hand gives a very different account from Waikato. Mr. Maunsells is a boarding school & goes on at a sure & steady rate. 35 I know not yet what I shall do with James. But I have nearly made up my mind that he shall not remain at the College. They have had a great commotion there and some of the Lay Associates 36 while the Bishop was away from home ran off to some neighbouring farmers. The Bishop was away at the Feegees, & on his return, he took the young men aside & reasoned with them, & then having satisfied himself that all was right, he started again immediately for a long cruise which is to occupy five months ... I feel truly thankful that the way has been opened for your removal from that quarter.

With respect to present expenses, you will bear in mind that ... at the end of this year there will be the sum of £50 deducted here for salary then due which your Uncle Marsh will draw from Mr. Venn & that £50 is to be drawn half yearly from that time. 37

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

WILLIAM WILLIAMS JOURNAL TO THE C.M.S.

[Diary entry in round brackets.]

August 1 to 4. Teachers school daily in which the exercises were varied a little for the sake of keeping up the interest for many of my pupils are advanced in life and need some additional stimulus to preserve the attention.

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August 7. Five additional natives at school from Table Cape. Our principal business is a lecture upon the church catechism, during which the class is furnished with copious illustrations from scripture. The principal matter is then taken down and afterwards copied for future use. With this the natives are much interested. The greater number are quite ignorant of arithmetic, but they begin to get an insight into easy addition sums. A short exercise on Geography with the assistance of large blank maps gains their attention for a short time; but persons who are not young and with minds unaccustomed to exercises of this kind, will not bear much.

August 9 to 12. School every day. The average attendance has been fifty. At the close of this week there were some few who were glad to avail themselves of the permission to withdraw to plant potatoes, the weather having now cleared after a long season of almost constant rain.

August 14 to 16. The number in the Teachers school has not much diminished, there being still 42, and those who are gone are persons who can but be spared. Those who remain are most of them receiving benefit and are desirous of improving, but their ignorance is great and they require much patient attention.

August 19. Concluded our school, which has kept up its number to the last, with the exception of ten who went home by arrangement at the end of the second week. Although the advancement made in three weeks cannot be great, it is evident that much good is done, and persons acting as teachers in their own villages, but very ignorant themselves, have been in the way to get into a better method of teaching, while the more sensible among them bringing with them a desire to learn, have picked up many useful hints which will facilitate their operations.

August 20. Sunday. Two native services & one English service. Many of the people are away but the congregations were still good. The natives enquire eagerly after the Bible Classes which have been suspended during the continuance of the Teachers school.

(August 30. Went after breakfast to see Kani & his party in the Pa. They are come to a tangimate & I was to be present to put in a word about giving [up] this practice & also the haunga. I was glad to hear Lazarus speak well upon the subject & still more pleased to find that Kani is quite willing to give up the practice. Soon after I returned home Kani followed me & occupied me for two hours more, nearly completing the day.)

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WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO EDWARD MARSH Turanga 28 August 1848

When I wrote to you last ... I was looking forward to an interview with the Bishop, who I expected would call here on his return from Wellington to Auckland and give me some cheering intimation of what he intended to do for our station at East Cape. He had heard of Mr. Reays death, but I suppose being afraid that I should ply him in a way which might not be acceptable, he hurried past with a fair breeze, & coming to an anchor at East Cape, he sent me half a dozen lines to say how much he was perplexed & that he saw no opening before him. If he had called here I should have given him a little light upon the subject, and as matters are now I must run up to Auckland by the next vessel which goes that way for the case is urgent. On the one hand our congregations are left without teachers & on the other the Wesleyans give it out that if the Bishop does not occupy the ground they will do it for him. My object in going to his Lordship is to urge him to ordain the missionary deacons priests, and the catechists deacons without any further contention about conditions which the Society will not yield to. If this were done Mr. Puckey would be in a condition to take sole charge of Kaitaia & Mr. Matthews would gladly come to East Cape. If his Lordship does not accede I shall resign (not exactly the seal of office but) a portion of my charge, for I cannot consent to remain as sole clergyman in priests orders for a parish 400 miles in length. I think that in this way the difficulty may be got over. Certainly it will not by taking things quietly.

The Bishop is a clever man, a talented man, particularly in conversation, but then it is all talk. I have no chance whatever with him in conversation, so I put down what I have to say on paper, as I did my letter on intonation, & then Irishman like deliver it with my own hands. A stranger to hear of his plans would think, as we all did some time ago, this is the man to promote the good cause in New Zealand. But all the bright prospects vanish into smoke. The Bishop knows by experience that it is vain to expect help from England, that is, for the wants which the Society is not pledged to supply, and he wisely formed a resolution of preparing candidates for ordination in his college. But from that time to this there have been none in preparation. There have been individuals in the college who like the lawyers have devoured sundry legs of pork, and have made a certain advance in life, have become familiar with intonation & candlesticks upon the Communion Table, but they have not added to their knowledge of classics, or mathematics, or divinity, or piety .... If I go to Auckland it is likely I shall be very plain spoken upon many points. Our church I consider to be on the high road to ruin. We are crippled in every quarter without a prospect of improvement. Mr. Churton the clergyman of Auckland, a respectable English clergyman of some ability, but not over clear in his views, has managed to keep matters together, but he is infirm & has nearly lost his eyesight. His duties are very heavy, and he has lately given notice in his church that, unless he has assistance he must resign

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his charge altogether. But the Bishop has no one fit to place in that situation. All this is from want of proper attention to his school & college, which one would have thought a fellow of St. Johns & Tutor of Eton could not have overlooked. The Wesleyans have an admirable tact in the arrangement of their preachers. They place their most talented men in the places which humanly speaking are of most consequence. Now if the Bishop fills up the gaps with dead wood, to use the Arbp. of Canterbury's expression, his efforts will be ineffectual. Unless great care be taken in such places as Auckland, the Wesleyans on one side & the Papists on the other will run off with a large proportion of the congregations. I wish I had not any reason for writing in this strain so frequently, but the subject forces itself uppermost.

During the last month I have been occupied with a school of a novel description, but one of great importance in carrying on the work of the mission. Between fifty & sixty native teachers & assistants of whom about one fourth were females, have spent with me four hours daily .... Several commenced arithmetic & were much pleased towards the close of our labours to find that they could master what had appeared very difficult at the commencement. We provided breakfast for the party every day, which consisted some times of twelve gallons of boiled flour, and sometimes of yeast dumplings & once a week a pig was served.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

WILLIAM WILLIAMS JOURNAL TO THE C.M.S.

[During September Williams remained at Turanga, his main task being the preparation of candidates for baptism.]

September 17. Sunday. I held service at nine and baptized 123 adults after the second lesson. The appearance of the congregation, viewed from the communion table, was highly interesting--a dense mass of about 700 persons, but as in our chapels generally, seated on the ground. In the centre were the children on two seats running the whole length of the building, then a large number closely packed, sitting on the ground, while those on either side were raised upon four rows of benches. But the people were so thronged together, that, when seated nothing was visible except this multitude of heads. Many of those now admitted into the church are advanced in years and though some are very ignorant they have long continued to give proof of earnestness in their desire for admission to this christian privilege, and I trust that many have come with sincere repentance and lively faith. At the conclusion of the service I went to baptize a poor man who was prevented from being present by a serious accident. The attendance at school was large and the congregation in the afternoon was nearly as numerous as in the morning.

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September 18. Mr. Baker having come from Uawa for a few days assisted me in my duties today. He read with a Bible class from Taikawakawa and catechized them on the subject of the Lords Supper which I hope to administer on Sunday next. At the same time I catechized a large class of candidates for baptism including some of those just baptized. Mr. Baker and I then conversed respecting the measures to be proposed for supplying the wants of the district.

[Baker agreed that Williams should make a trip to Auckland to put the district's needs directly to the Bishop. On Sept 23 the schooner Kate arrived at Turanganui with James Hamlin and his family on board. He had been convalescing in Auckland and was now returning to Wairoa. Captain MacFarlane agreed to take Williams as a passenger to Auckland. Williams' Diary continues.]

September 27. Saw the Kate working in to Wherowhero but being late I determined not to move till morning.

September 28. Left home early & got on board the Kate with my luggage but found the vessel in great confusion taking in a quantity of wheat & not likely to sail before tomorrow. Returned to Whakato & spent another quiet evening.

September 29. Again left home & got to the vessel by nine. After some delay we crossed to Turanganui to take in a try pot from Morris, 38 and by the time we had effected this a breeze from the S. obliged us to put to sea not being able to reach Wherowhero.

September 30. Tossing about all night & in the morning off Cape Gable end foreland. Our course is first to Wairoa to take in oil & the wind heading us we had first to put into Uawa. We anchored about noon, but no boat came off till five oclock. I then went on shore promising to be on board speedily when a signal should be made.

October 1. Sunday. The Kate under weigh soon after day light, in expectation I suppose of a sea breeze, but she stood directly out without giving me an opportunity of going off, so I conclude that they mean to pick me up on their return from Wairoa. If this be done it will be much to my advantage giving me a few quiet days at this place instead of an unpleasant cruize of some days out of our course. Conducted native and English service in the morning & in the afternoon baptized seven native children, Mr. Baker addressing the natives. In the evening I catechized Mr. Bakers children.

October 2. Walked out with Mr. Baker to see the new building 39 which is getting on in a satisfactory manner. The natives here are sadly abroad in consequence of a kaihaukai shortly to be held, and as this

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bad practice had diverted the attention of the natives from taking steps about their new chapel, Mr. Baker has very properly refused to assemble the reading classes until the business is over.

[The Kate failed to pick Williams up from Uawa so he returned to Turanga on October 18 and made preparation for an overland journey to Auckland. The Journal to the C.M.S. continues with Diary entries in round brackets.]

(October 19. Making preparations for journey overland. Cut out a tent. Went to visit the sick & held evening service.)

October 23. Having been disappointed in my hope of getting to Auckland by sea, I left home this morning for an overland trip by way of Opotiki. Called at the village of Pukerauaruhe and saw the sick children of a poor man who has recently buried one & now has two others seriously afflicted. Continued our rout to Wairerehua.

October 24. Continued our course till noon when I left the horse tethered & at two began to ascend the hills towards Rangiriri. A little before dark we came to a stream, at which we slept last year. The old shed which the natives then put up as a shelter from the rain was soon put into repair, and our party was well accommodated for the night before a large fire.

(October 25. Sent back the three boys who came to carry bread, making an exchange for one boy who had fallen sick. Ascended Tauawatea and encamped at night on Te Waiwhero.)

October 26. Crossed the river Motu before breakfast. At three a thunder shower came on, and it continued to rain for two hours, during which time I found shelter in a hollow tree. We then walked on in quest of a place for encampment and soon after came to Te Wairapukao. The natives put up a shed and in a little time we were dry and comfortable.

October 27. The rain of last night with occasional showers this morning made travelling very unpleasant and I was not without apprehension, but when we halted for breakfast, the shelter of a hollow tree again befriended me and a good fire dried our clothes. During the rest of the day the weather improved and in the evening we encamped on the banks of Pakihi at the head of the valley of Opotiki.

October 28. Reached Mr. Wilsons house at noon.

October 29. Sunday. Went to the Pa to morning service. About 120 natives were present, rather a small number considering the population. The chapel is a good building and substantial, entirely of native workmanship, excepting four glazed windows and a door. After service between 40 & 50 remained to school. Held an English service at Mr. Wilsons house, and in the afternoon had service again at the Pa.

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October 31. Reached Whakatane at ten oclock. Rain coming on we were obliged to remain, which was perhaps for the better as the natives are in a most listless state. About 30 attended prayers in a small chapel and in the evening I read with a Bible Class of ten. The natives generally of the Bay of Plenty have small vessels of their own, in which they make frequent voyages to Auckland; and this intercourse fills their minds with little else than buying and selling and getting gain. A vessel arrived today, reports that Heke is in arms again and that troops are gone to the Bay of Islands.

November 1. Spent the night at Otamarakau a small village divided between Protestants & Roman Catholics, but more of the latter. I had only 6 natives to evening prayers and 4 afterwards in a Bible class.

(November 2. Left at daylight and got to Waihi to breakfast where is a party of Nukutaurua natives. Of course they entertained us with the best. Spoke with the chief about the relaxed state of his proceeding. Went on to Maketu and stayed an hour with the natives. They would gladly have kept me, but they have had Mr. Chapman here for several months & he has only left them a fortnight. Left at 12, and staying for an hour midway, we reached the shore opposite Te Papa at 1/2 past 7 just too late for my white flag to be seen. We kept up a large fire for an hour & a half & called loudly for a boat to the full extent of the powers of our lungs taking this office in turn. At length we gave up in despair & pitched the tent.

November 3. Poor Tauranga is most forlorn, no natives & therefore but little appearance of a missionary station. The natives very listless, no schools & very little attention to Bible Classes. Marianne & her husband & family all well but they are expecting to remove from the station, but to what part they know not. Mrs. Brown also is well, her husband being absent on his long journey.)

[Williams remained at Tauranga, 3-10 November.]

(November 11. Read Mr. Kempthornes account against the Society & the pamphlet upon the same. 40 Packed up and at sunset went on board Farrars vessel. 41 At eight o'clock we got under weigh with a land breeze and made a good offing.

November 12. Sunday. Off the Aldermen at daylight. Smooth water with a light breeze which carried us off Mercury Bay by evening. Our

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two sailors are papists & two or more of the natives, but all attended service. I had a close conversation with Farrar, who is extremely ignorant, and asked him whether he had ever heard from the priest such truths as I had told him ."O", said he, "I can't understand what he says, he does not talk much English." 42 )

November 16. Arrived at Auckland. (Saw Mr. Forsaith at his shop door, and went in to hear the news. Read the account of the awful devastation at Wellington. 43 Went to Coneys and was glad to find my boxes from the Kate. While opening them Mr. Kissling walked in and we soon after walked up to his house, where we found Mrs. Kempthorne & two of her children. She occupies Col. Hulm's house, and is expecting her husband hourly.) Talked with Mr. Kissling about the object of my visit, & learn that the Bishop proposes Mr. Kemp for the East Cape, 44 and that he gives up the pledges which have hitherto stood in the way of the ordination of the catechists. 45 (Mr. Purchas walked in on his way from Onehunga. He has been in hot water with his superior and carrying matters to some length. He called he said to enquire whether anything new at the College; for that it was convenient to have the time occupied in a five mile walk for rumination. Mr. & Mrs. Fitzgerald 46 called in the evening. Mr. Espie also came to see me. Saw poor Mrs. Ford as she passed in Steeles cart. She & Mr. F. are at present living in a cottage close by Tamaki church. Sent a note to the Bishop to announce my arrival & to say I will go to the College tomorrow.

November 17. Dr. Carter 47 a new arrival & now in partnership with Dr. Davies called on his way to the College.) Had an interview with the Bishop. His Lordship spoke of the pledges as given up and proposed Mr. Ashwell & Mr. Morgan as first on the fist for ordination & then Mr. Baker & Mr. Wilson. 48 Having gained this first point I reserved the

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next subject for tomorrow as the Bishop has an engagement. (Went to Mr. Martins. Heard that Genl. Pitt who has been considered at the point of death is a little better. Two of his daughters are to be married tomorrow. 49 The Bishop & Mrs. Selwyn arrived shortly after. Returned to Mr. Kisslings. Found Dr. & Mrs. Carter at the house. They appear to be agreeable people & intelligent. Only two months in the country, he has jumped into a lucrative practice without any effort on his own part.

November 18. Writing. James came from the College & called with Mr. Ward. While they went to see the sights I set out for the College. Attended Chapel. Intonation as formerly, only that the responses are sung in a more elaborate style & therefore with less devotion. I was much grieved. 50 Took tea at Mrs. Purchas's & heard an account of collisions. Note from the Bishop in the evening to request me to attend to the services tomorrow as he will stay on Genl. Pitts account.)

November 19. Sunday. At the College. Had the services all to myself . . . Buildings scantily filled had a very chilling effect after the well filled chapels on the Eastern Coast. (In the evening the students came to tea at the Bishops according to custom & sang.) 51

November 20. Went to call upon Mr. & Mrs. Ford who are living within a mile of the College. They are in the midst of the deepest affliction. They have lately buried four children, carried off by scarlet fever & Mr. Ford is himself disabled by a paralytic stroke. On returning to the College I found that the Bishop had returned. The subject of the Eastern District was resumed & after going over the ground we traversed on Saturday, I proceeded to the next point--the admission of deacons to Priests orders. I told his Lordship that I am now sole priest for a parish 400 miles in length, that there are many distant villages which I have never seen and never can see under the most favorable circumstances, which places therefore cannot have the Lords Supper administered to them--that moreover I am unable to travel with the same

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facility with which I have done in years past. The subject was a tender one, but the Bishops answer was upon the whole favorable, for he said that he did not mean to regard the seven years probation which was talked of formerly as a definite rule. It was sufficient therefore for the present to obtain this much, and better to leave a definite answer to be given after time has been allowed for deliberation. (The Bishop put forth a mass of correspondence upon the land question which had passed since I was here last summer. This I waded through without making any observation. At evening prayers the Bp. read contrary to custom & consequently there was no intonation except in the responses.)

November 21. Spent two hours with the Bishop. He told me last night that he had much to talk about. I was therefore in expectation. The first question was about a provision for the Thames station, now unhappily created by Mr. Dudleys illness. I proposed Mr. C. P. Davies, who, it is said is to be set at liberty from Tauranga. The Bishop however talked of Taupo for Mr. Davies & the long standing promise made to Te Heuheu the chief of that place .... His Lordship then spoke of the Government grant for schools, 52 of which £200 is apportioned to the Eastern District, and it not appearing that any other subject was coming forward I took my leave. Saw the Bishop subsequently but obtained nothing definite about a provision for the East Cape nor any promise of ordination either for the Catechists or the Deacons now labouring there.

[Journal to the C.M.S. for 1848 ends here; the following entries are from his Diary.]

Proceeded to Auckland in company with Mr. Thatcher. 53 Our walk was agreeable, and as far as I can form an opinion from general conversation, I am impressed in his favor, but however promising may be appearance in his favor, it cannot be supposed that the interval of six months between employment in the Governors office and ordination can afford time for preparation for so solemn an undertaking. Remained at Mr. Kisslings until five when we went to town to attend the Church Meeting. About 16 persons present. After preliminary business of repair of St. Pauls church, Mr. Churton, who had attended for the first time, stood up to request from the Bishop a plan of the proposals which are to be laid before the meeting. This request appeared to be reason-

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able, but there was something so repulsive in his manner of stating his ideas which was followed by his abruptly leaving the meeting at the conclusion of his speech, that a proposal followed from the Bishop to the effect that as it appeared that these discussions could not be carried on in harmony with the minister of the parish, and that as they seemed calculated to stir up party feeling among the parishioners, it would be better if the future meetings should be confined strictly to the business of repairs of St. Pauls. After remarks made by Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Martin & others the meeting broke up.

November 22. Went to town and called upon Captain Rough to enquire about the Govt. Brig, then proceeded to Dr. Philsons 54 & saw him & Mrs. P. He spoke of the Roman Catholic school as carrying all before it & the activity of the priest in calling upon the Protestant parents of the children. 55 Went from thence to Dr. Sinclair 56 to enquire about a passage in the brig, then to the Bank for £265 for two bills of Mr Hamlins. Called lastly upon Dr. Davies & took luncheon with him. Mr. Kissling & I dined with Mr. Fitzgerald. He regrets much the result of last nights meeting and considers Mr. Churtons conduct as most reprehensible. We talked much about the land question, and we seemed to be wholly agreed on all points.

November 23. Sent to the College for James to come & see me before I leave. At five proceeded to the town and embarked. The passengers came on board at seven and we got under weigh.

November 24. Off Kauau with a foul wind, stood over to the Little Barrier. Our party is a respectable body of men and give life to the monotony of our passage. Mr. Dillon is a man of many good points but has a violent feeling against poor Captn. Fitzroy, who I fear did much to set the people of the south against him; 57 Mr. Clarke, an officer of engineers of gentlemanly bearing, well informed and of good principles; 58 Dr. Thompson of the 58th, an honest Scotchman of moderate principles with an occasional display of unaffected wit; 59 Cervantes of the 96th, interpreter, a great friend to the natives whom he defends through thick & thin to the great amusement of the rest of the party; 60 Mr. Figg of volunteer notoriety, a plain good natured sort of person. 61

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In the evening the conversation turned upon ecclesiastical matters--the new movement etc. Men of the world seem to take much interest in these questions & to feel strong repugnance against these innovations-- Cathedral service, anthems, turning to the East, etc. These points were touched upon without reference to the clergy in New Zealand. Then came the clerical dress--Mr. Purchas & Fisher said to be like priests, 62 & Mr. Dillon spoke of Mr. Butts transmogrification on his return from the College 63 --also the Bishops plan of celebrating the marriage of Genl. Pitts daughters. The people looked round and said to one another, "What next?".

November 25. Foul wind. Wrote to Edward and copied my paper to the Bishop.

November 26. Sunday. Service with the natives at ten & with the English at eleven on deck. Gave them a plain sermon--the Jailor at Philippi. Native service at six. More conversation about Puseyites. They seem to understand that I am not one. Our party are all churchmen but they seem to go occasionally to other places of worship than those of the church & draw their comparisons. Mr. Clarke, no objection to turn to the East, tho' he acknowledges that in this part of the world to follow out the principle, it should be West. He speaks of the college at Van Diemans Land as being tractarian, Saints days religiously observed--no play, no work--fasting also inculcated: but he says that Bp. Nixon 64 has much improved from his intercourse with the Bp. of Norwich & has given up many things. Mrs. N. a thorough papist. One clergyman, he mentions has done much by great activity & has brought over the dissenters & has bought their chapel for a school room.

November 27. Warm discussion about the fagging system in public schools--Clarke & Cervantes for, and Dillon against. Wind through the day was light & foul so that it was eight o'clock before we anchored within Tapeka.

November 28. In the night Captn. Burgess 65 got under weigh, and by five in the morning we anchored off Wahapu. Mr. Bateman boarded us and told me that Henry is gone to Kaitaia. Landed a little before six & took the family by surprize. At home Marianne, Sarah, Cath, Caroline, Joseph, & Henry jun. John is away with his father. Talked with Marianne all day about general news.

November 29. Went to call upon Mrs. Busby. Talked with Henry jun. about the land question. He is agreed with me & with Mr. Fitz-

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gerald. Thomas, Edward, & Hutton arrived from Waimate. Talked with Edward and am glad to find our opinions are agreed upon the main question.

November 30. Mr. Busby & his brother 66 called. Henrys boat came in sight at noon, and at about ten at night he arrived. Thomas & John came from Pakaraka.

December 3. Sunday. Held native & English services at Paihia & administered the Lords Supper to the English. In the evening James & Richard Kemp came to fetch me to see their mother. Got to Kerikeri at half past eleven.

December 4. Saw Mrs. Kemp who is in a very low way, much as she was about ten years ago. She is decidedly in a state which renders it inexpedient to remove her to the southern part of the island. Reached Waimate at one & after dinner with Edward & Jane 67 went to call upon Mrs. Burrows & Mrs. Clarke & Mrs. Bedggood. 68 Mr. B. came back from Kaikohe and reported Mr. Dillons interview with Heke. Mr. D. stated that the Govr. had no intention of making a township at Okaihau unless Heke made it necessary by reviving disturbances.

December 5. Mr. Clarke rode with me to Pakaraka .... Staid three hours at Pakaraka. The place much improved & prospering notwithstanding the many casualties. The new house is one of the best constructed in the country. Returned to Paihia & found the two Mr. Busbys at tea.

December 6.....In the evening embarked on the Victoria taking with me Caroline & Joseph & Mr. Hutton. Weighed anchor at ten.

December 7. Fair wind. Off Wangarei at day light and at ten in the evening entered the heads of Auckland. Most of our passengers left us before anchor was down.

December 8. Went on shore at seven with Caroline & Joseph & got to Mr. Kisslings before breakfast. No news from the College. I therefore urged Mr. Kissling to ride over but he returned without having any allusion made. Mr. Hutton seems still to be far from well. He went to the College in the afternoon.

December 9. Walked to the College and talked with the Bishop upon general subjects but not one allusion to my letter. 69 Went to see Hutton, Smith 70 & Purchas & then returned to Mr. Kisslings talking James with me.

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December 11. Called upon Mr. Martin & talked on the school question. He says the Bishop is smarting under the many remarks heaped upon him and the want of sympathy. Mr. M. suggested the plan of an independent school. Mr. Kissling & I dined with Mr. Fitzgerald.

December 12. An invitation from Mr. Kempthorne which we refused. 71 Mr. Purchas called; we went together to Edgerleys garden.

December 13. Called upon Mr. Graham & Mr. Fitzgerald; gave order to Coney. Saw Mrs. Tucker & some of the children. Her language plainly intimates that she would be more happy without a husband.

December 18. Went to town to enquire about a vessel. Dr. Davies met me & said the Neptune was in but this I found to be a mistake. Called at Williamsons about the dictionary. Saw Captn. Salmon & Mrs. Ludbrook. On my return called upon Mrs. Kenny & Mrs. Leach. Spent the evening at Mr. Fitzgeralds where I met Mr. Bartley 72 --a clever honest man without any display.

December 21. Went to town about a vessel. Reid talked of £35, I therefore engaged the Edward for £20. Made an arrangement with Coney. John 73 arrived from the Bay.

December 22. Went to Purewa & breakfasted with Mr. Ashwell; then went to see the Bishop. Talked for an hour but not a word about my letter. I then rose & asked for Mrs. Selwyn with whom I exchanged a few words of form & took leave to our mutual relief. It is evident the Bishop is determined to follow his own course. Took leave of the young men at the College, who were all in commotion by reason of an extraordinary paper the Bishop had just sent to them to notify that all deficiencies are to be made up from their salaries. Returned & sent off one package to town by a dray. In the evening I settled accounts with Mr. Kissling.

December 23. Left Mr. Kisslings at eight, & embarked at past 10. Arranged the cabin & sailed at 12.

December 30. Breeze continued through the night. At four in the morning off Uawa & anchored at Wherowhero at twelve. Went on shore in Morris's boat and arranged with him to convey the goods to Kaupapa. Set out at 2 oclock with the children and reached home at five. All well & happy.

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December 31. Sunday. Glad to find that the school which had been commenced promises well. Upwards of 70 children at school. The morning congregation as usual; the people were not aware that I had returned. English service at noon & in the afternoon school & native service.

JANE WILLIAMS TO LEONARD WILLIAMS

Whakato 25 September 1848

The winter is over and gone and every thing around marks the return of spring, but with spring comes the necessity for your dear Father again to leave home. As a matter of course we did not expect him to rest quietly after the fine weather set in, but I had not expected a repetition of the Auckland journey. He is however all ready for a start in that direction, but this time his going is a pokanoa, 74 at which you will perhaps be a little surprised knowing that he has no great predilection for that neighbourhood. Several things have combined to make it very desirable for him to have a little personal intercourse with the Bishop ....

What do you think of Mr. Thatcher and Mr. Nihil as the present candidates for ordination? James is the only missionary's son there now. 75 I only regret that he was allowed to return, but I believe Mr. Hutton was very kind to him. He, poor man! has been so overworked as school-master, house steward, deacon for the Tamaki district, cutter up of pork etc, etc, etc, that a serious illness has laid him quite aside, & in July being partially recovered he went to Paihia, so weak that he was obliged to be carried up to the house. He is however much better, the air and society 76 of that place being very beneficial. Mr. Kissling has removed from Samuel's old house at Purewa 77 to a house of Mr. Cleghorne's not far from Mr. Kempthorne's, where I hope they are more comfortable....

The two judges have at last decided the land question in favour of the missionaries 78 . . . Mr. Carleton who has now a paper of his own, the "Anglo Maori Warder" 79 and whose cleverness and wit makes it

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generally popular, has a very amusing article on the subject under the description of an Auckland fox-hunt.

We have had a very wet winter, and consequently a tolerably quiet one. Your Father spent the month of May in the Waiapu district. After he had been at home a few weeks he had an assemblage of the teachers and monitors, 54 in all, who came to school for three weeks, a great part of every day being devoted to them. They all went to school at Kaupapa in the morning, and at the end of that came up to the new building to their breakfast which I with the help of Hoera and Heneri had prepared for them--sometimes yeast dumplings, sometimes rowdy dowdy. 80 At 10 o'clock, their meal finished, school recommenced by a lecture on the Church catechism which was recapitulated in the form of dictation. After that sums, geography, a little chronology and Scripture prints occupied the time till 2 o'clock when they dispersed to write down their explanation of the catechism into their respective little books with which they all had to be furnished as well as with pens, ink, etc. and you can imagine the clamour when school was over. Either Jane or I always attended the catechism lecture for our own benefit, and while the dictation was going on, I undertook to teach the dunce-savans to write copies; for there were many allowed to attend as being the kai karakia of their own village, who had no pretensions to the rank of teacher, thinking it might be a stimulus to them, but I think they were heartily glad to be set at liberty.

Having your Father at home for nearly 4 months has been quite a rare event, and no small benefit to his flock and family, to say nothing of the comfort to me. Our winter evenings have been spent as they used to be and we have made good progress in the last volume (we possess) of the English history. I hope the next will soon be here. Your little apartment is now the children's school-room and I think they get on as well as we can expect, for New Zealand households always present sad impediments to regularity, tho' we aim at it as much as we can. Dear little Emma does not forget you. She is as lively as ever and catches up words and ideas with great quickness. Marianne is the image of poor dear Sydney and many times in a day does she bring him to my mind .... Henry and his brothers have added to their other employments a store at Horotutu which seems to answer. The Bishop is desirous of "re-opening communications with Henry Williams" [junior], but however desirable it may be for Henry to enter the ministry, your Father will not consent to his having anything to do with the Bishop in the present state of things, and will throw cold water on any proposals which would not ensure a thorough preparation. Nor does Henry himself desire any other ....

The time is approaching when we hope to hear of your being safely domiciled with your Uncle Marsh. It created no small sensation of pleasure to find from the Auckland paper that a Sydney vessel had

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spoken the Penyard Park near the line, and tho' that was all, it was a great deal to us ....

We have missed you in the gardening department. Old Rapana is our prime gardener just now, and as soon as weather allows him to finish his part, Jane is going to plant your seeds. Everything is very beautiful just now. The willows & peach trees give the pa a splendid appearance, and our garden is very lovely with its polyanthus borders in full bloom.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO EDWARD MARSH Auckland 25 November 1848

You will no doubt think that we use much freedom with our Bishop in this country. But I do not forget that he gave me charge some years ago to speak faithfully to him, telling me that he considered it to be my duty to do so respecting anything which I believed to be wrong. I have done so therefore many times, and having discharged my conscience, I then leave the subject, trusting that under Gods direction such alteration will be made as the case requires. Of this I am certain that unless the Bishop acts upon my suggestion the College & School will be ruined and the interests of the Church will be sacrificed. There has been a continued system of misrule and it will require an entire change before confidence can be restored. The Bishop affects great liberality but he spoils everything by his peculiar views. For instance he says he is on good terms with the Wesleyans, but the other day he sent a parcel of our publications directed to their minister in Auckland, but he styled him Mr. Buddle instead of giving him by courtesy at least the title of Reverend. 81 And when it was mentioned to him he denied that he had any title to it. A course of conduct followed out upon these principles is sure to lead to much ill feeling, and in public estimation the church is the loser. Again the young men whom the Bishop admits to ordination are many of them very unsuitable persons, and the best of them are not dealt fairly with in that they are hurried into this sacred office without preparation .... I expect to find that his Lordship will be much disconcerted. He is always exceedingly kind to me and the best return I can make to him is to deal honestly with him.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

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WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO LEONARD WILLIAMS Paihia 30 November 1848

It is with much thankfulness that I lately received a letter from your uncle Marsh which mentions your arrival at Aylesford--also that he had directed you to go to Oxford to enter at Magdalene Hall under the care of my much respected friend Dr. Macbride .... You will become acquainted with many good people with whom it will not only be a pleasure to hold intercourse, but it will be safe also. But there are many also who will be happy to shew you kindness, with whom it will not be safe to have communication .... My advice is to be "tupato rawa" 82 of any persons who are not recommended to your confidence by your uncle, or by those to whom your uncle tells you to look up. And particularly read no work however strongly recommended, which has any connection with the tractarians ....

The poor College is still subjected to the same commotions which you so frequently witnessed. Much has been attempted in the way of improvement by Mr. Kissling but he is disheartened and has no wish to interfere further. It is quite clear that it must come to nothing if the present system be persevered in ... . Mr. Ashwell & Mr. Thatcher are to be ordained next month. The latter I believe is a very good man & is much respected by all who know him, but it is a pity that more time has not been given for him to consider this step he is about to take. I think it is not unlikely that a grammar school will be set on foot to be independent of the College. Measures are in progress for this object, and it seems to be the only resource. For the present I take James to Turanga and Joseph accompanies him also ....

We continue to receive good accounts from Samuel and Mary, and all the natives who come from that quarter are loud in their expression of satisfaction. The way does not open for Henry to follow Samuels example, though his desire to do so is as great as ever. In one respect he is likely to do so, 83 and for this purpose he has permission to go to Turanga next February. You may conclude therefore that all will have been settled before you receive this. You will hear from Samuel an account of the earthquakes at Wellington. The effect upon that part of the country will be serious. All the brick buildings are down and much damage has been done. Our natives at Turanga go on well. They are exempt from many temptations to which others are exposed, who are nearer to civilization ....

Little Dale is back again in Auckland a genuine pikopo. 84 He gives it out that he received his present views not at St. Johns College but at Oxford in the house of Dr. Pusey. He is connected with the R.C. college which is now erecting. 85 He will nobly fill a professors chair. The only reason I can imagine for their taking him by the hand is that he has been a member of St. Johns.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

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WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO EDWARD MARSH Auckland 14 December 1848

During the interval which has elapsed since I last wrote, I have been to Paihia, and have had much conversation with Henry upon the long agitated question. The case now stands thus. The Governor, confident as he always is, in every opinion which has a place in his own imagination, directed that the Land Claims should be carried into the Civil Court, and a writ of "Scire facias" was served upon Mr. Clarke, who did not attempt to defend the suit. Judgement was not immediately given, but at length contrary to all expectation, Judge Martin pronounced the grants, which had been issued by Captain Fitzroy, to be good and valid; at the same time he read the opinion of Judge Chapman of Wellington upon the same case, who came to the same conclusion, but drew his arguments from distinct grounds. Subsequently to this decision the holders of those grants have carried out the recommendations of the Society contained in their letter of March 1/47--They have made over the land by deed of transfer to the parties for whom it was originally purchased, [their children] with this proviso, that a certain portion according to their original intentions, is set apart for church and school purposes. They have not therefore any portion of those lands in their own possession. This arrangement however is liable to be overthrown because the Governor still confident in his superior judgement over that of the two judges, has applied to the Queen in Council. Here then for the present the matter rests ....

I am very sorry that the Bishop took the position he did in the question--but it is his character. He is never satisfied unless he has something to do with every minute circumstance in the college even to the baking of bread & peeling of potatoes. In this case he pushed his interference in an unseemly manner, requiring an immediate settlement of the question when the Society had given to the end of the year, and then refusing to meet the members in Committee unless they came to his terms.

I have not written to the Society upon the subject, I am weary of it.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY MS (AUCKLAND INSTITUTE)

WILLIAM WILLIAMS TO C.M.S. (private) Auckland 21 December 1848

When the Bishop first came among us, I formed a high estimate of his character. He seemed to possess an energy which would bear down every obstacle. His plans for education bore upon their front an appearance of grandeur, which made our more contracted and humble efforts sink into insignificance. The Bishop brought with him an enlarged machinery of his own, and a power, by virtue of his office, of pressing into service the strength of the mission, which enabled him at Waimate to make a brilliant display. I felt satisfied that all was right and was

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happy in the prospect that education of the best kind was now within our reach. On my visit at the college two years ago, when I remaind there many weeks, ... I observed that there was a very sad deficiency in almost every department of the school and college. I remonstrated with the Bishop there several times, and at length determined to send my son to England, and though I continued our youngest boy at the school, hoping that changes would be made for the better, the children of all the rest of the missionaries were gradually withdrawn. A year ago the state of the College was again talked over with the Bishop, . . . but all without effect. The Bishop has a system of his own and he seems determined to carry out his measures at any risk, although he sees and every one else sees that the whole fabric is crumbling to the dust. I must now remove my son to my own roof as others have already done ....

You see in the Bishops almanac that I am called examining chaplain, but . . . you must understand that I do not examine.

The Bishops charge, which has latterly issued from the press, . . . will give you some general ideas. It savors too much of those views which have caused much trouble in the church, and will serve as a key to many things which are unsatisfactory in character. It is my daily prayer that God may guide & direct the Bishop in all his counsels, and that in his high office he may be a blessing to the Church.