1830, 1831, 1832, 1834, 1835, 1837, 1843, 1850, 1854, 1855 - Church Missionary Record [Sections relating to New Zealand only] - 1855 - New-Zealand Mission, p 205-220

May 8, 1854--Time much taken up in visiting the sick during the last week. The epidemic has now become general. Yesterday, in the morning, only fifty people at church; in the afternoon, fourteen.

May 22--Another trying week has passed away. More people at church yesterday. Saw Piko again to-day. She is drawing near her end: she speaks of Christ as her Saviour, but I fear she is not savingly acquainted with Him. I had long visited two poor old heathen-- a man and his wife--both very old: the man I found dead to-day, and his wife cannot be long after. Visited others hardened and thoughtless, and returned home in a spirit of heaviness.

June 7--Buried to-day a child at Tuhuna, and visited Samuel. Found him afraid to die: this alarmed me, but I trust his fears are groundless. Close by, I found a youth very ill. When I saw his state I was fearful, for the youths generally live a wild, playful, and thoughtless life; nor can they be prevailed upon to attend school; nor have their parents any control over them, to make them attend. I sat and looked at his emaciated frame, and his short breathing: his appearance spoke to my soul, in a voice not to be misunderstood, that death was near. When I saw him last I spoke rather severely to him. He was scrofulous, and knew his days were numbered; but the measles will hasten his end. As I did not speak, the youth quoted these words, "Unless we are born again we cannot enter the kingdom of God." This opened a conversation between us, which I hope may be blessed to the dying child.

June 8--Visited Hira Puri's wife: she is very ill: she speaks well. After-

wards visited Samuel and the poor youth. Samuel is still fearful: talked to him, and prayed with him: the youth was too weak to say much. Samuel's fears concern me: very little affects my sorrowful heart.

June 10, 1854--Heard Simeon Whakaita was ill. Visited him: found him very ill, but ready to depart and be with Christ: he is in a happy state. As I had a funeral to attend, did not go to see Samuel. This evening, while reading the service over Whahanga's child, another child died in a neighbouring house. Went and spoke to, and prayed with, the bereaved parents: it was the young mother's firstborn son: she feels acutely.

June 11--Congregation large in the morning, but small in the evening. As I was uneasy about Samuel, I visited him between the services, and tried to find out on what his fears were grounded. I now hope that his fear is not an improper one, not of that nature, I trust, to impede his salvation. The poor youth is worse. I asked him how he meant to escape eternal death. "By working hard, and prayer." I endeavoured to preach Christ to him. O that he may find mercy!

June 12--Met a few of my people: nervous and low in spirits: sickness and death reign around. The natives were not well of the measles before the whooping-cough got among them; but it is the Lord.

June 14--Yesterday, buried a child, visited the sick. To-day visited Samuel and the youth. I could understand but little of what the former said. He had ceased to be afraid: the fear of death was taken away. The latter began by saying, "I have thoughts for but one thing, and that is Christ."

June 20--Buried the remains of Samuel. I was thankful to learn from his son that he had given him strict injunctions to live a peaceful and holy life; but that, in order to attain this, he must believe with the heart. His son told me that his father prayed much. Poor man! the fears which alarmed him were no doubt of the right kind. The youth is sinking: his glass is nearly run: he speaks well. O that his heart may be found right with God! Visited poor Whahanga. Two of his children are better: the third which was ill is marked for death: this will be his fourth. He said, "I sometimes ask myself, Is this visitation in anger or in love? It is my wish to be resigned to the will of God." Heard that Akaripa had lost a second child. Set apart a person to bury it tomorrow at Punaketere, as I shall have much upon my hands.

June 22--Last night Charles and Sarah Taurua returned from their visit, or rather Missionary tour, to Rotorua, and its neighbourhood. I saw them this morning, Sarah mourns much for my dear departed wife. This evening they gave me an account of their travels among the relatives and companions and friends of Sarah's youth, and their persevering efforts to do good almost shamed me. They give but a poor account of the state of the natives generally, as it regards vital godliness. They report the Missionaries as being all heavy-hearted, in consequence of the worldly-mindedness of their people. Poor Charles expected he should be able to effect much, but he soon found he was disappointed. They took much property with them, but they are returned very poor: their friends, however, appear to have made an abundant provision for them. I am truly thankful to have them home again: here is plenty of work for them. Spoke seriously to my people about their indolent habits. Visited the sick. Benjamin Wahanga has lost another child from the whooping-cough: his wife is in a precarious state. Heavy affliction!

Much, very much, is grievous amongst the natives generally, and the evil is growing; and things must continue thus until the Spirit be again poured out from on high. But bad as the appearance of things is, we have perhaps more knowledge and piety still existing among us, where the people are attended to, than would generally be found in a similar number of the lower order of people in England. The rising generation amongst us, at present, presents the most gloomy picture--I speak of the children belonging to our congregations: but even here, dark as it sometimes presents itself to my mind, I do not despair. The girls'-schools have done much good to many young women in my own congregation who have grown up, and are growing up: the breaking-up of the girls'-school

at Waimate is therefore to be lamented. My people have been addressed most seriously on the subject, but they are determined they will not return their children, nor can they be blamed for withholding them. Our attention will now be turned towards the boys, with a prospect of better success in procuring scholars. But Waimate, even for a boys'-school, does not possess the facilities which it formerly possessed. The enclosed land left to the settlement is in quality very poor, and in quantity limited. Nor am I very sanguine about procuring scholars in Waimate: from this place children will be sent, and a sufficient number procured for Mr. E. M. Williams to commence with.

Through the goodness of God we have been brought to the close of another year, and have abundant cause for gratitude for those measures of health and strength, and all other mercies, temporal and spiritual, which our heavenly Father hath bestowed upon us.

The past year is one that will be remembered by the natives as the most afflictive, and perhaps the most fatal, they ever experienced. The well-known epidemic, the measles, broke out in our district in the middle of winter, and the malady, in its fatal effects, increased in proportion to the inclemency of the season. The natives generally were very imprudent, and many were without adequate help, having no one to procure firewood and food while the measles were upon them. We lament to say that about one hundred died in our whole district. It is not improbable that the measles have, from their first breaking out until now, been the proximate cause of two thousand deaths throughout the island.

A few days ago, December 26, Motu, the grandson of the chief Poroa, one of the most promising young men of Ahipara, died through the effects of cold taken alter the measles. Some few of the old heathen tried hard to have an old woman sacrificed as a payment for his death, but he would not consent to it; and, when dying, exerted himself to talk to his people, and advised them to be kind to all, and live in peace. He said, "When my fathers died there was no blood shed, and shall quarrelling and fighting ensue because their child dies?" This is the young man who formerly insisted upon his uncle Morenga and all the tribes not going to join Heke against the government. He was desirous to be baptized; and, when dying, he exerted himself to ask the question, "What is the meaning of outward baptism when all is right within?" This unexpected question gave great interest to the occasion, as all the principal people were there, and the nature of baptism was explained in a simple way, referring him to the Catechism and to Christ's own words as the basis; and, on account of his question, Himiona, our eldest teacher, read out audibly and solemnly the third chapter of St. Matthew's Gospel. One of the teachers asked the dying man, "Is there no part of the Psalms which you make use of as a prayer?" He replied, "This--'Be not far from me, O Lord.'"

During the height of the epidemic numbers died without our having the chance of visiting them, both owing to

the care our own families and domestics required--for they all had the measles-- and also to their distant abodes and the severity of the weather. Calls from all quarters, for three months, were incessant.

We feel it our duty to say a few words concerning two native females, who had lived with us eighteen years, whose deaths were hastened by the measles, each of whom was the mother of a large family of young children. Maraia had suffered intensely from pain in her head, which had caused total blindness for the last two years. She always had the Lord's supper administered to her at her own house, and our visits were most welcome to her. A little before she died, she made use of this remarkable expression, "I now know why I have been so long afflicted. I have only been a true believer in Christ the last month. 'I will bring the third part through the fire.'"

Tipina Newton was the mother of six children, and she had been a Deborah in our families, and her character had been without blemish. She was smitten with the measles, and they were uncommonly severe with her, although she had thought lightly of this disease. She told us, in the commencement, that she did not feel resigned to leave her family at present. She lingered for several weeks; and as her bodily weakness increased, she waxed stronger in spirit, and felt that Christ and His word was her support; and before she died she was enabled fully and cheerfully to resign her husband and children into God's hand. On the question being put, "Are you unwilling to die?" she became animated, and said, "I am not at all anxious. I am as though I had no husband and no children." This she repeated several times, to assure us that it was a reality. It was a delight and spiritual comfort to her to hear portions of the divine word read to her, and to have portions pointed out to her notice. The eighth chapter of Romans was recommended by us for the evening chapter, which was read by a neighbour. The next morning she said, "What a sweet portion that is. I have been reading to myself the last two chapters of the Revelation." Her conduct for many years had been so uniformly good that Europeans and natives showed her marked respect. Our children felt much for this Deborah, and all visited her. She was so blessed during the latter part of her illness, that the tempter had no power so much as to disturb her thoughts. She rested on the strong arm of Christ, and died peacefully. "Let me die the death of the righteous" "the end of that man is peace."

It so happened that one burial service sufficed for these two Christian females, who "died in the Lord." we have continually met with much to try our faith and patience, and to damp our joys; but as our Lord has shown us the worth of a soul, by saying that a whole world would be insufficient to redeem it when lost; and likewise that "there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth," we feel it just to magnify the truth of the promise, "My word shall not return unto me void," and "your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

The temporal prospects of our natives are progressing, and the various tribes have lived in peace with each other. The means of grace have generally been well attended during the year; and many, who for a long time refused to hear the gospel, calling themselves Roman Catholics, have during the last year given their adhesion to the true church of Christ, and have become hearers of the word. The principal chief of the Papists, a very promising character, was baptized by Archdeacon H. Williams during the last autumn. These good fruits we consider to have arisen from the establishment of the schools at Ahipara.

In conclusion, we observe that our people require the utmost attention to bring them on to a state of Christian maturity, especially so in these days of increasing worldly wealth. We witness, to our grief, their too independent spirit, which often leads them astray, and their natural character is altogether that of self-sufficiency. On the other hand, we witness much that is praiseworthy; and, in proportion as their minds are enlightened by hearing what other churches have done and are doing, they seem to feel that it is right for them to help one another. They have done so, in a small degree, the last few years, and if we are spared we shall not cease to lead them on to further exertions. Our own feelings, after twenty-one years, are the same as when we first pitched our tents in the midst of the wild brushwood, "that we have no power of our own selves to help ourselves;" but that our sufficiency and strength and success are altogether in Christ; and that, if any blessing whatever has rested upon our labours, we disdain

any merit, and say, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth's sake."

Jan. 7, 1854 --Held teachers' meeting: subject, Acts xvi. 25-34. Our meeting was very interesting. We were asking, "Why is the word of the Lord compared to fire and light?"--speaking of the conviction and conversion of the jailor. Maynard said, "We have been digging kauri gum, and, in setting fire to the bush, we observe that every hole and every hill is discovered by the effects of the fire; and so, when the light of God's word shines into the heart, the evils of sin are seen."

We have received vaccine virus from Dr. Ford, who informs us that the smallpox is raging at the Sandwich Islands. A vessel from Honolulu has just arrived at Manganui, close by us, which reports that 5000 have died on the island, and thirty seamen. Two officers of this ship died. Our government has indeed acted a parent's part, by faithfully warning the people and providing the remedy. God will surely bless a government that acts so mercifully and righteously with an aboriginal people as our government has done from the first landing of Governor Hobson. Mr. Marsden's words will be fulfilled-- "God will bless the Mission families, and He will bless the natives." He said this to a large party of Missionaries in my hearing, when he was old and full of days, on his seventh visit to this highly-favoured Mission.

Feb. 4 --Teachers' meeting: nine present. I gave the teachers their allowance of a shirt and trowsers each, and each has had a new copy of the Testament and Prayer-book, which is much esteemed.

Feb. 12--Four days' rain, after so much fine weather, has ruined three-fourths of the wheat, which is a great calamity to natives and Europeans. The wheat grew standing a full quarter of an inch, and, what is most remarkable, that which was not ripe grew the most. Potatos are very scarce and dear: four pounds per ton on the spot, and nine pounds in Auckland. Twenty-five ships are waiting there for supplies of this edible for the gold diggers. In Hobart Town potatos are 35l. per ton!

March 1--Set out for Wangape, thirty miles distant. We were well received at Waitaha; but the people confessed that they had been idle at prayers. We exhorted them to repentance, for God commanded it. We had two interesting prayer-meetings and speaking with them, i. e. in the evening and morning. When I had finished speaking in the morning, and we were just ready to depart, the father of the tribe, a grey-headed old chief, approached the two younger chiefs, and, in a mild and winning tone, said, "My children, commence praying: what should hinder us?" &c. The teacher, William of Ototoiti, was much struck with this incident, and so would any one, I am sure, even if he had been hitherto a cold-hearted Christian.

We passed on until we came to the land-locked harbour of Wangape. The scenery is enchanting, and the land is of the richest description, and would particularly suit the vine, and I think the orange would grow here. The wheat of this district is fine: the country is extensive, and would support a population of many thousands. We crossed over in a canoe to the place of Anga, the chief who was so anxious to be vaccinated. He was not at home; hut his little daughter, who had lived with us, ran and fetched us three fine water melons, which were very refreshing to travellers. They sent off a messenger to Hokianga, about sixteen miles (to the heads), to inform Anga of our arrival; and we went two miles further on, and slept at an old chiefs place of the name of Walker, whom we had visited before. We preached as we went, and every native in the little villages greeted us; and one venerable old lady would cry over and rub noses with the teacher, "because she had once lived where there were means of grace, and she still every day thought of God." She repeated the name of an affectionate son many times. She would have cried over me if I would have allowed it; and she did cry after me as long as she could see me. My tent was pitched in a gathered-in wheat field. About twenty natives came to prayers and preaching; and it is a fact that the teacher and this party kept on talking, principally about spiritual things, until the morning began to dawn. The

teacher said, "They would begin to talk now and then about the things of the world, but I would put in my word and turn the conversation." I found this teacher, William--one of our oldest teachers--a very acceptable help, who combined the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of the dove. My opinion as to what ought to be done immediately I will say by and by.

We left this place, Rotokakahi--a most fertile district--on Saturday morning, the teacher returning by land, in order to converse with all the natives he might meet with in the little villages, and I returned by canoe for the same purpose.

I was much delighted with the excursion; and what made it more so was my having a native who was a near relative of Eleanora, Noble Panakareao's wife, to paddle me along in his canoe. This man was one who spent the night with us, and appeared to be a most amiable native. He can read, and possesses a Prayer-book with the Psalter, and begged a Testament of me when I can send him one, and he promises to read prayers on the Lord's-day. He having four children, I urged him to do this.

We called at two or three places, and spent several hours with the son of the principal chief, a most amiable young man of the name of Henry, but he dues not possess Christian energy to take the lead in having prayers, &c, which is much to be lamented. This young man has a wife and a fine infant. He would make me wait to eat of his oven, and gave me clean honey to eat with my potatos. It was the first time I tried this, i. e. dipping the potato in clear honey; but I found it very nice and agreeable; for the proverb says, "Hunger makes the best cook." The introduction of bees has proved a wonderful blessing to the natives and Europeans. This native asked me, "Have you any tea with you?" I said, "My tea is in my box, with the native who is gone the other road." He said, "I have some sugar but no tea"--wishing to accommodate me with a cup. I could not help feeling thankful for this, as it shows how much the natives have improved in their manners and in their circumstances too, even in the remotest places. I like to notice these things, as they are either directly or indirectly the fruits of the Holy Spirit. What particularly pleased me was, the young chief, whose canoe I was in, would say, when we came to a place where there were any natives, "There is a native; go and speak a word to him." "What!" thought I, "is there a native, and an unbaptized one, who is acting as a prompter to me!" I thanked God for this; and when I related the circumstance at the teachers' meeting, they were delighted, and tears were ready to flow.

March 4, 1854 -- We had evening prayers at Anga's place. He is the principal chief of this district. There were twenty-four present, and I preached the word unto them.

March 5: Lord's-day --Had divine service in a long shed: about thirty present, and they were all attentive to the word, "God commandeth all men everywhere to repent." This is a great word. The chief Anga came from Hokianga after the morning service, and was much pleased that we had come to see him; and he said, "Why did you not order a pig to be killed, that you and your natives might have had something to eat?" I told him that we were well off for food, and that his daughter had given me quite a feast of water melons. We had Sunday-school, and the assembly seemed much interested. I was much struck with the simplicity of the chief, who said to me, "Will it be any harm for me to pluck a melon to eat, for I want one much?" I told him it was no harm to do so.

Towards evening the teacher and I were walking on the beach, and I told him the subject I purposed to speak upon in the evening--that of the prodigal son; and he was to speak afterwards, and I would be short. "Well," he said, "I have thought of St. John xii. 44-50." I was delighted with the manner in which William handled this subject; for it was evident that the Spirit had directed him in the choice of this text, and that he fully understood it. He said to me, while walking together, "We spoke last night and this morning on the words, 'God commands all to repent because He hath appointed a day to judge the world,' &c, and I think that these verses will agree and confirm it." And when he was opening the subject to the congregation, he dwelt chiefly on the passage -- the 48th verse -- "The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." It forcibly brought to my mind the words of Mr. Watson Fox-- "The gospel must be preached as a wit-

ness; and where it has been offered again and again it will indeed prove a swift witness." I was led to see that we have great reason to be thankful for the help our native teachers afford; and I thought many of them are far better instructed scribes in the kingdom of heaven upon earth than we are at all times aware of. Many conversations I had with William on the road--sixty miles--led me to reflect on these things; for I found that he was sound in religious principles, and well versed in the New Testament and the Catechism of the church. He told me of a conversation that he and some of the Ahipara natives had had with regard to the Apostles' Creed. He said his opinion was, that the creed divided the works of creation and redemption between the Sacred Persons of the Trinity, which some were confused about. He asked me if he was right. I told him, "Yes." "Well," he said, "I thought so. I take the words, 'I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,' to belong to the Father, &c, and so on."

What I referred to above, that I would give my opinion by and by, is simply this--That some of our best and well-tried Christian teachers, of fifteen or twenty years' standing, should be ordained deacons while we have strength to pursue our work and overlook them, and attend to our work. There should be one ordained native at Whangape immediately. We cannot personally attend to this district more than a very few times in a year; and a native teacher without a salary cannot be expected to attend to the duties required, for those duties would engross all his time. The Whangape district is a fine place to try a native deacon in the ministry. There are a few teachers at Herekino, five miles nearer our settlement; but as they do not attend our meetings but a few times, they are but weak, i. e. they do not visit about. It wants one invested with authority to preach, &c. Himeona is the teacher that I should recommend to be ordained if he would consent, for I have not spoken yet to him on this subject, although I have made it known that I wish him to go to Whangape.

The Lord's supper ought to be administered in all the respectable chapels in the district, and that every three month. Such is the nature of the times for worldly-mindedness, that our Christian natives are in the utmost danger of falling away unless we can often, both in the word and sacraments, set the Lord before them. New Zealand indeed, at this time, wants Bishops and Missionaries who will feel for the souls of the people, and not in any ways seek their own glory, but that of the great Shepherd who has laid down His life for the sheep. Neither bishops, priests, nor deacons, are ordained or consecrated to seek any thing else but the glory of Christ and the salvation of perishing souls; and what is our duty but to lead our people, the sheep of Christ's flock, into green or budding pastures? We, who are witnesses of the state of things, at least in the north of New Zealand, are fully aware that the present state is far from being a healthy one. We are altogether too weak or too short of hands, and a better state of things is needed, i. e. a brotherly and Missionary consultation should take place, and inquiry should be made whether a few of the best of the teachers could not or should not be ordained, &c. May God bless what I have suggested!

During the winter, the Mission boat under my charge--by the kindness of Mr. Jones, the first lieut. of H. M. S. "Pandora "--was refitted, &c, by some of her crew; but I regret to say was shortly afterwards run foul of, which caused the loss of two masts, rigging, &c. The delay occasioned by this occurrence, added to the previous repairs, caused much loss of time and inconvenience.

In the past year I have visited the native settlements on the island of Waiheke, and Mototupu. Also Taupo, Kai-

para, Pukake, Orake, Onehunga, and the north shore: and, when in Auckland, the native hostelry, the hospital, the asylum, the road parties, and the gaol. These last places have occupied 194 visits.

I have also occasionally assisted at St. Barnabas' on Sacrament Sundays. During the very serious illness of the Rev. G. A. Kissling, and his subsequent voyage to Sydney for the benefit of his health, which included about the space of three months, the services at St. Barnabas' devolved on myself.

The candidates for baptism in this district--most of whom have been three years on the list--have behaved with steadiness and to my satisfaction. Of these, forty-four have been admitted into the Church; also thirteen native children, one half-caste child, and four children belonging to the European settlers. Forty-five adult candidates remain still on probation.

It may further be stated, that there has been a gradual improvement in a few of the native villages, and I may here mention Wakanewa, the East Huruhi, and Rarawara. At these places the recently baptized, and the remaining candidates, chiefly reside: their teachers are the principal men, and possess influence; and to them, under God, the chief instruction of their people is owing.

Throughout this district the Sabbath attendance on divine worship is good, and the Sunday-schools form a fair proportion to the congregations; and yet, notwithstanding these favourable appearances, there is still great indifference amongst the majority. For instance, few will attend a Bible class; nearly all are indifferent to the instruction and general conduct of their children; and at the present there is not a decent chapel in the whole district.

After much observation, it appears to myself that the most effectual method in building up this people in the Christian faith would be, to establish a few well educated native teachers on the different islands and in the larger settlements; men who could not only act as teachers to the people in general, but likewise afford daily instruction to their children as schoolmasters: and which appears the more necessary in this part of the island, from the present increasing difficulty, and great expense incurred, when visiting, either by land or sea, in the vicinity of Auckland.

I feel persuaded, were a plan similar to this adopted we might look forward in hope to some better fruits than the past. The Missionary would then possess--what hitherto he has desired and sought in vain--men who could labour with him, who would carry on the common work in his absence, and whom, in return, he would instruct, counsel, and cheer during his visits through the district.

I have spent one hundred and twelve days in travelling to the various places in my district, including one journey to meet the Committee at Tauranga. I have administered the sacrament to 140 persons, and baptized 12 adults and 19 infants. I have to regret the introduction of temptations to my natives, through increased intercourse with our own countrymen, against which some have been proof. I have also marked an increased determination to maintain the ancient custom of "tapu," even among the baptized; and, upon the whole, I am persuaded that, except in a few instances, there is but little deep-seated religion among the Maoris, although for our comfort we may take the answer of God unto Elijah. The baptisms have not been numerous this year: but fourteen new candidates have lately come forward in the immediate neighbourhood. The Sunday congregations are quite as good as they have been, in proportion to the number of persons living near; but actually less, on account of many having removed for the purpose of cultivating in new places. In conclusion, I feel we have much need to pray that it may please the Lord the Spirit to revive His work among us; and the more so, as a population so widely, and, at the same time, so

thinly scattered, must be under great religious disadvantages.

Feb. 4, 1854--The bush being on fire, and the wind blowing towards our house, we feared it would have been burnt: providentially, the people had just assembled at a spot near us for a palaver, when, the cry of fire being raised, they came together, and, beating down the fire with boughs, the wind also lessening, succeeded in putting it out, after which we gave them a feast of flour and sugar, and thanked God, who had saved our house from this visitation. All the things were carried out of the house, and there were numbers of people standing about, besides those engaged in putting out the fire, yet we lost nothing.

March 3--Set off for Kaiaua, on the opposite side of the Frith. Landed at Pukorokoro, but, not having been here before, we could not find the mouth of the river, and got the boat aground on an extensive mud flat, terra firma being at least a mile and a half distant. However, there was no help for it, so, taking off my nether garments and my coat, I made a bundle of them, which I slung at my back--my natives having other things to carry--and set off on my muddy pilgrimage. On I went, sinking knee-deep every step in the black, disgusting mud, well mingled with sharp cockle shells, to increase the trouble. When about half way to the shore it began to rain violently, from which I was glad to shelter myself by sinking in the mud as far as possible, and holding up the umbrella with both hands. My natives, having harder feet, got ashore long before me, though they left the boat after me. We spent the night on the spot where we landed.

March 22--I left for Te Poka, Coromandel harbour, where I arrived in the evening. Held service, and preached. It was a long time since I had visited this place, in consequence of my having been kept from doing so through the death, by drowning, of several of my people at Hauraki, and the consequent gatherings of the tribes there on visits of condolence; and I was much grieved to find things in a very bad state. The teacher, in consequence of a quarrel with some of his relatives, having given up his office, the people were left without any one to conduct their morning and evening worship, though divine service was held on a Sunday by another teacher. Then, since the establishment of the saw mill here, a good many of the whites employed to fell timber, &c., set the natives a most vile example of drinking and debauchery. Shortly after my arrival, a boat came on shore, in which were several of these men, bringing with them large kegs of wine. For my remonstrances they cared nothing; and even in the middle of the night my ears were shocked, and my heart grieved, with their foul oaths and obscene language. I have tried to get the chief of the place to put a stop to it, and hope he will endeavour to do so. After service I called on the teacher, and remonstrated with him on his sin in leaving his charge.

March 23--After morning service, and catechising the children, I heard that the tribes on the Mercury Bay side, whom I was intending to visit, were coming here on their way to an uhunga, 1 so I resolved to stay in the neighbourhood until after the Sunday, lest, by going first to the other side, I should miss them. In the course of the day I visited some of the settlers and the new saw-mill: whilst there, I heard of a white man in the forest, who had been nearly killed by his companions in a drunken brawl. I went to see him, found him getting better, and made use of the opportunity to call him to a concern for his soul.

March 29 --Set off with the intention of going to Hara Taunga, but the weather would not admit of our getting further than Koputauaki. In the evening had service, and catechised.

March 30 --Siill weather-bound. After morning prayers some of the people came to my tent, asking questions on the Scriptures. Spent the evening as usual.

March 31 --Set off for Hara Taunga. Had a most fatiguing walk through the forest: the path, being little used, was much overgrown, and the mountain side

exceedingly steep; but on reaching the top I considered the toil as well repaid by a most magnificent view, including some of the most delightful scenery I have ever witnessed--Hara Taunga, lying at our feet, being a most beautiful bay, enclosed on all sides, except that towards the sea, by a perfect amphitheatre of wood-crowned hills, intersected with numerous ravines, issuing from one of which a mountain stream winds its way through the plain below, forming, in its progress, a serpentine as regular as could have been produced by art, yet without its stiffness. We reached the settlement just as it became dark, and were received with a most hearty welcome; the people coming out to meet us, and crying, "Haere mai! haere mai!" On our arrival at the pa, I found the fern already cut for my bed; and, having shaken hands with the people, went into one of their houses, glad to warm myself by the fire, and to rest after my walk. I sat conversing with them for some time, and then retired to rest.

April 25, 1854--My natives having determined on an expedition to Motiti-- an island on the coast near Maketu-- with the proposed object of making up a quarrel with the people there, and being very anxious that I should accompany them as a pledge of their peaceful intentions, and to prevent mischief, I resolved to accompany them, and, having joined them at Manaia, embarked in one of their canoes accordingly. The season of the year was particularly unfavourable, and many of the men were suffering from sickness, the measles prevailing among them. In the course of three days we rounded Cape Colville, and anchored in Charles' Bay, an uninhabited one, where we were detained twenty-three days by foul weather. During this time one of the principal chiefs died, and, in consequence, it was determined that we should give up the expedition.

The chief who died was a heathen, but had always been kind to the Missionaries. As I was one day talking with him about his soul, he desired me to pray with him, which I did morning and evening. I did not, however, feel sufficiently satisfied about his state to offer to baptize him.

This journey has led me to see that the old superstitions of the natives have a much stronger hold over them than I thought they had, and I have been obliged to contend earnestly for the faith. Whilst we were detained in the bay I held daily Bible classes with such of the native teachers as I could assemble, and also taught reading, &c, to some little boys who were with us. This has been an unhealthy season, and many natives have died lately. May these things be a means of inciting me to greater diligence in preaching the gospel, and contending against superstition!

Native Children.

Future Prospects.

We conclude our review of Mr. Lanfear's despatches with the following paragraph--

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MIDDLE DISTRICT. WAIKATO.

WAIKATO.

Removal of the Institution higher up the river--Progress.

During the first six months of the year the Rev. R. Maunsell was engaged in the arduous work of transferring his institution, with all its appendages, from Waikato Heads to the new site, higher up the river by nine miles. During the autumn we find him laboriously occupied, as will appear in the following extract from a letter dated April 4, 1854--

The next letter, dated towards the end of winter, shows the progress which had been made during the intervening time, and enters into some interesting particulars as to the providential circumstances which led to the selection of this new locality.

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Translation of the Scriptures-- Measles.

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We now introduce extracts from Mr. Maunsell's

Report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1854.

It commences with a reference to the change of locality which, before the end of the year, had been safely accomplished.

TAURANGA.

Report for the year 1854, by the Ven. Archd. Brown.

The report of this station, forwarded to us by Archdeacon Brown, is, on the whole, of an encouraging character. Here, as at Waikato, we trace, with much satisfaction, the development of the self-supporting principle, and recognise with gratitude the expenditure of labour on that which is of such vital importance--the in-

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struction and increased efficiency of the native agents.

TARAWERA.

This inland station, near the lake Tarawera, is occupied by the Rev. S. M. Spencer. The following is his

Report for the year 1854.

The state of warfare at Tarawera, as mentioned in my report of 1853, affecting also the tribes of Rotorua and Taupo, continued until late in last autumn. I do now, however, venture to indulge the hope that a few months of calm reflection will, by the blessing of God, result in the establishment of peace. The party on the defensive (Tuhourangi) are making preparations for a feast, hoping to prevail upon the hostile tribes to join, as a token of reconciliation. Still, the causes of dissatisfaction can only be eradicated by the benign influence of the institutions of Christianity. Twenty-eight, in all, have fallen on both sides, though the death of many others may be attributed to the effects of the war. Two seasons for cultivation having been interrupted, the scarcity of food induced those engaged, and the families dependent upon them, to have recourse to means ill calculated to sustain life; and thus they were incapacitated for enduring the effects of the measles, which prevailed extensively at the commencement of the winter.

But, notwithstanding much that is deeply to be deplored, the triumphs of the

gospel shine amid the darkness. As one of the instances which might be mentioned, I will give the case of Mokonuiarangi, father of the leader in the aggression. He, though principal chief of his tribe, having become aged and infirm, had yielded the active duties of patriarchal rule to his son Pairau, whose desire for exclusive claims were earnestly censured by his father, who notwithstanding, to the grief of the friends of peace, felt himself under obligation to sustain the honour of his tribe, by engaging in the same cause in which his son had fallen. This was the more to be regretted, as he had, at a late visit of the bishop--prevailed upon by the earnestness of his professions--been baptized by the name of Alexander, and was also, at the same time, confirmed. However, before the close of the war he confessed his error, and, I trust, truly repented, for he exerted himself publicly to persuade the people of his own party (Ngatirangitihi) to desist from war, and also went, attended by those who had taken no part in the contest, to the opposite party, to declare his earnest desire that peace might be made. This evidence of his sincerity is the more gratifying as he, soon after the cessation of hostilities, perceiving his end to be near, desired to depart under the consolations of the Christian faith, in the presence of the members of his family and tribe, who had been a trial and hindrance to him while he lived among them.

After attending the Middle-District Committee at Tauranga, I proceeded to Auckland, to place myself under medical treatment, where I remained till the middle of March. During my absence the hooping-cough and dysentery were raging amongst my own family. One child of the school died from its effects. Early in April the measles attacked the whole of the natives, attended with very obstinate dysentery. Two hundred were attacked at the same time. Great part of my time was occupied in attending on the sick at the pa, and preparing medicines for the sick on the coast. I regret to say it was very fatal amongst the old people. I lost two valuable teachers, who in their lives were consistent followers of Jesus, and on their death-beds exhorted all to follow and cleave to Christ. It is with much pain I must candidly confess I have not seen the fruits of this severe visitation of Providence. The natives everywhere, with very few exceptions, seem more engrossed than ever in laying up for themselves treasures upon the earth. The great price of food at Auckland has induced them to extend their plantations. They have many hundred acres of wheat this year, besides other food. By their over-anxiety for worldly wealth, they have, in too many instances, grown lax in their services towards God. In the month of May I visited Te Kaha, and found the natives on the coast in the state above described.

In the month of November I succeeded in getting the natives to go to the eastward, but was obliged to give them an additional payment. The Rev. T. Chapman accompanied me. I assisted him in the administration of the sacraments: and here I would mention one circumstance to show the unwillingness of the natives to give any thing towards the cause of Christ, shown in their collections at the offertory. At Opotiki there were 94 communicants: offertory, 2l. 11s. 2 1/2d. At Tokata, 46 communicants: offertory, 3s. At Te Kaha, 48 communicants: offertory, 2s. 6d. At Omaio, 30 communicants: offertory, 8s. I mentioned to the native teachers, that the Church Missionary Society expected they would come forward to assist their Missionaries in travelling, as their object was to preach Christ to sinners. They told me, unless they were paid the natives would not go. I invited the native teachers to come to Opotiki, as in past years, for instruction. I regret to say that the excuse many gave was their plantations. At present I have six here who will remain till after Christmas: they are occupied in writing skeleton sermons. The beginning of this month I spent three days at Ohiwa: the same sad complaint, "surfeited with the cares of this life." I regret to say, that, on the 9th of December, the natives of Te Wanauopanui tribe came in a hostile manner to Tunapahore, to drive away Te Ngaetae tribe from that pa. They were armed, and did every thing they could to excite the natives in the pa to come out and fight-- I am thankful to say without success.

After remaining three days at the place, they returned to their respective pas. I fear they will return in the autumn.

I am thankful to say our girls' boarding-school has given us more satisfaction this year than formerly. They are getting on very nicely in English, geography, writing, arithmetic, sewing, and singing. Mrs. Davies devotes her afternoons to their service. We have averaged ten during the past year.

The great price of provisions at Auckland has increased the natives' desire for worldly riches, and made many feel very dead about their spiritual interests; yet I believe that many are making progress in the things of God. I trust that the word has been faithfully preached, and may sink deep into their hearts, and bring forth fruit unto everlasting life.