1830, 1831, 1832, 1834, 1835, 1837, 1843, 1850, 1854, 1855 - Church Missionary Record [Sections relating to New Zealand only] - 1830 - Australasia Mission, p 230-239

May 22, 1829--Went to Kauakaua, with Mr. Davis, for the purpose of examining some land, which we have thought of purchasing for the benefit of the Society. It did not answer our expectation, and the people are unwilling to part with that which is of better quality. We spoke to as many Natives as the time would allow, and retired to our tent. In the evening, we were much interested by an account given by a Chief, who has lately visited Tahiti. He simply confirmed the testimony given by others before, that the Natives of that Island have undergone a very great change. I asked if they never fought now? "Fight!" said he, "they are all become Missionaries." The Natives, who listened to him, said they should like to go there, and live at Tahiti, but that their own Island would never leave off its present customs.

May 23--Went to Waiomio, distant four miles from Kauakaua. A Niece of Christian Ranghi has lately left my house in a dying state, and is with her father at this place. The family is in a pleasing state, and have generally paid more attention to us than other Natives. The father made a striking remark to the child, when calling her to come to me. He said, "This is your parent, who is come to see you, who has taken care of you so long." She has lived in our house about a-year-and-a-half, and I hope has not been with us in vain: she has never been very communicative; and the most I have been able to obtain from her, relative to her Saviour, is, that she prays to Him in her heart.

May 27--Set out with my Brother on an inland expedition. We proceeded on our way about two hours, when the weather became bad; and, after being wet through, we resolved to return. The rain afterwards blowing over, we retraced our steps, and reached the Aute in the evening, just in time to put up our tent before the weather assumed

an unfavourable aspect. We took no harm, and were much refreshed for our journey in the morning.

May 28, 1829--Spoke to two parties at the Aute. The people were very civil, but for our message to them they manifest as much indifference as any Natives we know: this we attribute, in part, to the frequent intercourse which this Tribe has had with the ships. We afterwards proceeded to Taiamai, and returned to our old quarters in the evening. Some of the people of the latter place have behaved very ill to us on various occasions, and we went into their neighbourhood with the expectation of meeting with some insult: but we did not fall in with the party in question; and in that district they were restrained, as they have been on many other occasions.

May 29--At the Aute we spoke to other Natives, who have had no connection with the ships, and were as attentive as those yesterday were careless. Passing through several villages in the course of the day, at each of which we spoke, we returned in the rain, and were completely drenched by the time we reached home.

June 1--Prayer-Meeting at Pyhea, which was attended by three of the Brethren from Kiddeekiddee. The greater part of three days was spent in revising Chapters iii. iv. v. of St. Matthew.

June 2--I was obliged to leave the Meeting; and go to Kiddeekiddee, to see Rewa, who had seriously injured his hand by the bursting of a gun. It was necessary to amputate three of his fingers, which I proposed to do; but the superstition of the people was so great, that every one was opposed to it: and I was also given to understand, that if I had cut his hand, a party of strange Natives, who had just arrived from the southward, would probably have been cut off by Rewa's Tribe, as a payment for his accident.

June 21: Sunday-- The Wicked One is now especially on the alert, to prejudice the Natives against us, in the matter of their temporal diseases. They say, that before we came to the land, few persons died before they were old; and that we have imported sickness among them, to which all ages fall victims. This was the principal subject of conversation with two parties to-day.

June 22, 23--Attended a Meeting for Language at Kiddeekiddee, when Chapters iii. iv. of 1 Cor. were examined, and passed. On our return, we found that a party of 70 Natives had been, during the day, to take away a large canoe, which we had bought a few days before: the canoe was stolen by the Party from whom we purchased it.

July 5: Sunday--We have occasional causes of difference with the Natives, in consequence of thefts committed in our Settlement. I met with a party to-day at Waitangi, which has been often troublesome; and some of the Slaves committed considerable depredation last week. It is not unworthy of remark, that the Chiefs expressed their disapprobation of the conduct of the Slaves, and treated me with civility.

July 14--Went to Kauakaua with Mr. Davis: one of the principal Chiefs has been much afflicted with bad eyes, and is strongly impressed with the idea that he is bewitched: several others are sick. I was most interested by two Natives from Waikato, just arrived, with a large party, to trade frith the Bay of Islanders. I gave them an outline of our Message, of a part of which they seemed to have some idea. They said, that a woman of Waikato had been up to heaven lately, and reported it to be a very good place: there were great multitudes of people, who lived peaceably: that when they had any slight quarrel, they had rushes to fight with instead of guns, and leaves of flax instead of the stone "meris" (mayree).

July 19: Sunday--The day was wet, and I was unable to leave the Settlement. I had a cheering conversation with Pita, one of our Natives. He and his Wife have lived with Mr. Davis more than four years, and for some time past have manifested much attention to instruction. From the nature of Pita's remarks to-day, I think him a proper subject for Baptism: every question on material points he answered most properly. I particularly questioned him on the last subject from which I had spoken--that of Baptism. The Natives have a baptism for their children; but, as Pita observed, their baptism is intended to make them wicked, while ours makes them holy. Of Prayer, he said, that, after our daily Evening Service, he and his wife were in the habit of praying to Jesus Christ; and that, if at any time they neglected it, they felt very uncomfortable. I had spoken a short time previously on the words Give us this day our daily bread: the spiritual meaning of them he received,

I believe, in his heart--that Christ was the salvation of his soul, as bread is that of the body. His wife was not present; but she is in a similar frame of mind.

July 20-22, 1829--Meeting for the Language at Pyhea, when Chapters vi. vii. viii. of St. Matthew were examined for printing.

July 26: Sunday--We received a public application from Taiwanga last night, in behalf of his children, whom he wishes to have baptized. His Letter is short, and, being much to the purpose, will not he uninteresting:--

Here am I thinking of the day when my Son shall be baptized. You are Messengers from God; therefore, I wish that he should be baptized according to your ways. I have cast off my native ideas of rectitude, and my native thoughts. Here I sit thinking, and untying the rope of the Devil; and it is shaken, that it may fall off. Jesus Christ, perhaps, is near, to see my evils, and to look into the hearts of men. It is well, perhaps, that the heart should grieve in the morning, in the evening, and at night, that every sin may be blotted out.

Aug. 6 -- Went to see one of our neighbouring Chiefs, who has had his hand blown to pieces by the bursting of a gun. I had an opportunity of speaking to some Natives from the southward, who are on the eve of their return: they have heard a few important truths while here, which may not be without effect.

Aug. 8--The Chief whose hand is injured was removed to this Settlement, for the purpose of being attended to. The Natives are exceedingly superstitious; but we oblige them to break through many of their practices, at these times.

Aug. 11--Went up the River Kauakaua. The people were as attentive as I ever found them; but they are still, I believe, without exception, in a state of darkness.

Aug. 14--The Chief with the wounded hand was removed from our Settlement this morning. In consequence of excessive irritation from the mangled parts --which, when I first went to see him, he would not by any means have removed-- lock-jaw came on, and there is now little hope of his recovery. He could not understand at all how his back and jaw could be affected by the hand, and attributed this new affection to some neglect of the "tapu" in the erection of a little house which his relations have constructed here to shelter him. Others, again, think it is owing to my applications to his hand, after the Native Priest had exercised his priestcraft over it; and, that if it had been left entirely to me, or entirely to the Priest, it would have done well.

Aug. 16: Sunday--Spoke to a party of Natives at Waitangi. It is reported that a Slave has been shot, on account of the Chief.

Aug. 17, 18 --Attended a Language Meeting at Ranghehoo, when Chap. iv. of St. John was examined, and passed for printing.

Aug. 22--After attending to the instruction of the European Children in the morning, engaged, during the rest of the day, in translating the Baptismal Service for Infants into the Native Language.

Aug. 23--It having been considered that the application made by Taiwanga in behalf of his children should be attended to, I baptized his four children, together with my own little Boy, after the Second Lesson. The names given to them were, Richard Hill, Samuel Marsden, Mary Anne Davis, and James Davis. Mr. Yate, Mr. Clark, and all at this Station, were Sponsors; the nature of this office having been previously explained to Taiwanga. The Service was very affecting, and the attention of the Natives marked; and I think this public celebration of the Rite, in their own language, will not fail, under the Divine Blessing, of making some of them thoughtful on this point. Pita observed, afterwards, that he wished to be "wakatapu." that is, consecrated by this ordinance to God, as soon as possible. In the afternoon, in addressing the Natives, I explained to them, that, by Baptism, a Believer is admitted into the visible Church, and that without it none could be considered members of the same; while, unless the outward sign was accompanied by inward grace, it would be of no avail. I endeavoured also to shew the reasons why Infants are received.

Aug. 24--Went up the River Waikari, accompanied by Mr. Yate; but found very few Natives, the body of people being absent, planting potatoes. Old Toru, the principal Chief, was lying sick. He observed, as many others have done, that he was sick because he did not attend properly to our "karakia," and asked, with apparent sincerity, what he must do.

Aug. 25, 26--Engaged in School, and translating the Catechism. This morning, a Priest of some celebrity made a commotion among our Natives. He was ex-

hibiting the vocal powers of the native god "Witi;" which was nothing more than a whistling sound, which he made to proceed from his head by a trick of ventriloquism. We told him that, in England, people would make an oyster or even a dead man talk, but they were not called gods on that account. I then asked, "Why, if this is a god, does he not cure your sick people?" "The Native God," said the man, "is dead since you are come to the, land, and can do nothing." This is something like the Oracle of Delphi ceasing to prophesy on the first promulgation of the Gospel.

Aug. 27, 28, 1829--We all went to work at our Fortification behind the Settlement; which we hope to finish so far this season, as to afford us a place of retreat in case of danger. It is currently reported, as on a former occasion, that the Natives of the River Thames are thinking of paying a hostile visit to the Bay in the summer.

Sept. 6: Sunday--Last night, a party of Natives were in the Settlement, one of whom has been a cause of much trouble to us. I expected to meet this party at Waitangi to-day, but found only one of the Chiefs, He is a quiet old man, and Chief of the Tribe. He spoke more rationally than most of the Natives, in reference to our instruction; and seems disposed to be friendly. Conversing with another party, whose faces I did not recollect, my Brother, who was with me, asked whether they had heard before of our God. A woman replied, that she had heard from me; and that I had told her father to pray for a new heart, which he had continued to do ever since.

Sept. 7--The Monthly Prayer-Meeting at Pyhea, when Messrs. Yate, Kemp, Baker, and King were present. On this and the following day we examined a Translation of the Catechism for the use of the Natives, and the 9th Chapter of Matthew.

Sept. 14--Went to Rangheehoo, to see Mrs. Shepherd, who has been ill for the past week from an attack of influenza.

Sept. 15, 16--The weather being unfavourable for our expedition, we remained at home, and examined the 5th and 6th Chapters of the First of Corinthians.

Sept. 17--Returned to Pyhea, by way of Rangheehoo; where we found Mrs. Shepherd much worse, and in very considerable danger.

Sept. 19--Went to Rangheehoo with Mrs. Williams, and remained there until the 21st. Mrs. Shepherd is still in a very precarious state, and frequently delirious: when her mind is collected, she appears to be in a pleasing frame.

On Sunday, the 20th, I went, with Mr. Shepherd, to visit some of the neighbouring Natives, who were, for the most part, busily employed about their nets. Waikato, who went to England with Shunghee, is as superstitious as any of the Natives, and would not, on any account, neglect one of his tapus. With a new net there is very much ceremony; and the whole of the sea in the immediate neighbourhood of Rangheehoo is now sacred in consequence, and no canoe allowed to pass under any pretence. Waikato would fain have prevented my boat from returning on the morrow; and I was only allowed to pass on the promise of steering as far from the net as possible. Mr. Yate's boat, from Kiddeekidee, was the same day obliged to return, without reaching Rangheehoo; and the day following, on going there to see Mrs. Shepherd in spite of their tapu, he and Mr. Kemp and the crew were treated with great violence. Waikato justifies himself, by saying that we have our sacred days, and are angry if they are violated; and that they have a right to do the same.

Sept. 24--In the evening, we had a merciful deliverance from fire. Taiwanga's house, which is very near to Mr. Davis's, caught fire, together with other Native Dwellings built of rushes, and presented a most awful spectacle. The wind was high, and blowing direct on Mr. Davis's house, which is built of the same material. Particles of fire were alighting on the house in showers; and one spark, if left, would have kindled the whole. Great exertions were used, by Natives and Europeans who were stationed all over the roof, to beat out the fire as fast as it came down: but that the house was preserved from danger I can only attribute to the merciful interference of our Heavenly Father. It was also a providential circumstance that no strange Natives came near us. There was a troublesome party not far off, who would have taken great advantage if on the spot; but they were ignorant of the event till the next day.

Sept. 29--Mrs. Fairburn was brought to the border of the grave, and was as speedily restored. In consequence of exertion at the fire on the 24th, she was so alarmingly ill, that I thought, for a time, she was actually dying, and felt it necessary to apprise every one in the

Settlement of what was to he expected. Her mind, in the mean time, was in a gratifying state; and it was cheering, to those who beheld her, to have the evidence which she was then enabled to manifest. It was as it were in a moment that she was brought back from the brink of eternity. Thus, in the short space of a week, mercy on mercy has been heaped upon us, and our cup has overflowed with blessings.

Oct. 11, 1829: Sunday--At the conclusion of our Afternoon Service, we were much disturbed by the violent conduct of Tohitapu, a Chief who has been many times mentioned from his causing trouble in the Settlement. He has for some time manifested himself friendly towards us; but, occasionally, he exhibits his native disposition, and shews how little any outward good conduct avails until there is a change of heart. His anger was caused this afternoon by the escape of a Girl out of my house, whom he was minded to take as a wife: when he found that his prey was gone, he came before our Chapel and vociferated his intentions of burning our houses and driving us all away. In a little time his rage was spent, and he left the Settlement quietly.

Oct. 21--Accompanied my Brother up the River Waikari. The principal Chiefs were occupied with a new fishing-net, which was just completed. Though the whole neighbourhood was sacred, we were permitted to approach them, and had a very pleasant conversation.

Oct. 22--Mr. Hamlin came from Kiddeekiddee in a boat, to fetch me to see Mrs. Kemp, who was taken dangerously ill. He had occasion to pass within half-a-mile of Waitanga, where the Natives are preparing a large mackarel-net. The sea, for some distance around, is sacred; and a very troublesome Native being the person principally concerned in the net, he determined to give us some trouble, and brought his party, about 50 in number, at full speed towards our Settlement. Mr. Hamlin's crew, in the mean time, seeing what was passing on shore, pulled as if for their lives, and reached our beach just in time to put themselves in array against the assailants: a rush on the boat immediately ensued, in hopes of finding some booty there, which, according to native custom, would have been lawfully forfeited. Not succeeding in this, an attack was made on the boat's crew, which occasioned many of us to interfere also: the result was, that Marupo, the Chief, was upset by one of the Kiddeekiddee Natives, and his musket and cartridge-box thrown into the sea. It was not until the affray was nearly over that I learned the occasion of Mr. Hamlin's coming. Such occurrences as these would a little disturb some of our good friends in England; but we are obliged to meet with them not unfrequently. On arriving at Kiddeekiddee, I found Mrs. Kemp dangerously ill, but somewhat relieved.

Oct. 23--Went to Rangheehoo to see Mrs. King, who is also seriously ill. We were told that we should pass another sacred net in our way; and, accordingly, we went prepared to stand an assault, with a crew of twelve Natives. We were allowed to pass this time, without being pursued.

Oct. 24 -- Returning to Pyhea on horseback, I found our friend Marupo in a very different mood, and very ready to put me across the River Waitangi in his canoe; and I learned, afterward, that he had been smartly reprimanded by a superior Chief.

Oct. 20--Went to Kiddeekiddee to see Mrs. Kemp, who is now materially recovered.

Oct. 28--We have been threatened for some days with a hostile party from Taiamai, to obtain satisfaction for a trifling offence committed by one of our Natives: we deemed it expedient to meet them in their own territories, in a quiet manner; making our journey at the same time, a Missionary Expedition. My Brother and I set out this morning, and slept at the Aute, where we found but few Natives; and the next morning early proceeding on our way, we met the party in quest of which we were going, and settled the difference in few words. They afterwards continued in our immediate neighbourhood for some time, and received our visits among them with attention.

Nov. 3 --Went with my Brother to Maunganui, the fishing-ground for Mackerel, near the south-east head of the Bay of Islands: nearly the whole of the Natives of this part are gone thither, and this is a most convenient season for visiting them. At twelve o'clock at night we reached a small island about four miles from the place, and pitched our tent for the night. The next morning, we found ourselves in the midst of parties from almost every Settlement with which we are connected, all brought together within

the space of about a mile: their behaviour was, for the most part, pleasing.

Nov. 14. 1829--For the last month, we have each, according as we have had opportunity, been occupied every afternoon in building chimneys, and in plastering Mr. Davis's house, excepting those days which have been spent among the Natives. Our mornings, till dinner-time, are fully taken up with Native and English Schools, and translation of the Scriptures.

Nov. 15: Sunday--During our afternoon Service, (which, excepting the Psalms and one Lesson, is in the Native Language,) I baptized a Native Lad by the name of Robert, who has for some time manifested a very pleasing change. There are others, also, who are, I hope, proper subjects for this Ordinance: one man, Taiwanga, said afterwards, that he felt inclined to come forward to be baptized himself, but that he did not like to do so of his own accord.

Nov. 20-- The Baptized Native, Robert, is rapidly declining in health, having been now ill for nearly a twelvemonth; but his mind is in a peaceful state, and his hope is in his Saviour. He does not furnish one of those striking instances of conversion which we sometimes meet with, but there is a satisfactory evidence that his trust is on the right foundation: he suffers much from his disease, and is desirous to be removed by death.

Nov. 27--The state of the weather has prevented us from visiting the Native Settlements during the week; our principal occupation has therefore been In the Schools and in Translation. We are preparing the Burial Service, in expectation of the death of Robert, who is drawing fast towards his end.

Nov. 29: Sunday -- Mr. and Mrs. Browne arrived this evening, in the "Edinburgh Castle," after a passage of 19 days from Port Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. C. Davis, and Miss Hart, sailed a fortnight since in the "Haweis," but have not yet been heard of.

Nov. 30--Buried the Native Boy, Robert. His death has not excited much thought among the Natives: they are content with thinking that he was a Believer and is gone to heaven, without desiring the same blessing for themselves.

Dec 16--Went to the Native Settlement at Wangai. There is one point in the New Zealanders different from many other Heathens: they do not commonly cavil at what we say to them; but, while they yield their assent in such a way as is oftentimes gratifying to us, there is a degree of apathy withal which is so frequently witnessed in our Native Land. My conversation with the Natives to-day would strike a new comer; but I am afraid to expect much.

Dec. 21 -- Two Chiefs, a man and woman, have been just murdered, under the pretext that they had bewitched several persons who have died lately. Some other woman dreamt that such was the case, and this dream was sufficient in the eyes of a Native. The bodies were taken to Kororarika, the Bay frequented by the shipping; and cooked and eaten.

Feb. 5, 1829--A large number of Natives passed through our Settlement: they were part of the Tribe Urikapana: they stayed more than an hour, and were trying to get into all our places. There was one Chief among them, who had formerly been a very wicked fellow; but he says his wickedness to the white men is gone, and he loves them now, and will not be troublesome any more.

Feb. 6--Visited the Natives at Pyhea; but saw only three small parties: the others were gone inland, to their cultivations: they were very careless about my message. All their thoughts and words ran upon the number of ships now in the Bay of Islands: they were so full of these things, that I could scarce speak to them on any other subject. I did, however, at last, manage to gain their attention, by telling them of the shipwreck of Paul: they said, it was not on New Zealand that he was wrecked; for if any thing of the kind had happened here, Paul would not have been taken into their houses, unless it had been to be killed and eaten.

Feb. 9 -- Matapo, a Chief of Taiamai, killed a Slave this morning: the reason which he gave for it was, that she had bewitched Tekoki, the Chief of Kauakaua, and caused his illness. After Matapo had killed her, that old wretch Taria roasted and eat her. I have noticed Taria as being the most barbarous man in the island: he has killed and eaten three persons since I have been in New Zealand.

Feb. 16 -- Paue, one of our great men at Waimate, died this morning, after a lingering and painful illness. He was a Native of very pleasing manners, but never gave the least signs of conversion. His friends sent down to us for a blanket.

to wrap up the body previous to interment. There is nothing in which they are more particular than in their respect for the dead.

Feb. 17, 1829--A great number of our Boys went inland to-day, to attend the funeral of Paue. They generally go when a great man dies; and cut themselves in a most terrific manner, which they say is to force themselves to cry, and to shew their great love for the departed person. The whole concludes with a feast. The latter is, I conceive, the grand attraction to our boys: if there was nothing given away, I question whether they would go.

Feb. 18, 19-- Went out on Wednesday Morning, amongst the Natives, with Mr. Clarke: we went to Waimate and Awaawa. As soon as we had pitched our tents, it began to rain very hard; and on Thursday Morning, at daybreak, we were obliged to give up all thoughts of further visiting, and to hasten home lest we should be unable to ford the rivers. We were obliged to wade up to our middle during a great part of the day: during the whole journey, it rained tremendously; and, when we arrived at home, which we did, by the blessing of God, in about four hours, we found a large flood in the Kiddeekiddee River. On the Wednesday, Mr. Clarke took one way, and I took another: we both met with a large number of Natives, so that our journey was not in vain. I went to the residence of Paue, who was said to be dead: I found him alive, but he died in a few hours after my arrival. No one was allowed to go near him, as the place was tapued: I, however, paid no regard to what they said, but rode up to his little shed, and made him some tea, and endeavoured to improve the opportunity. A great number of Natives were present, waiting for his death: they were all attentive. I spent nearly four hours among them; and I trust that the time was not spent in vain.

Feb. 23-- Visited the Natives at Paitai: I saw four parties. Kopiri was returned from Maunganui; and his being there served much to increase the number of my auditors. I called at the residence of the late unhappy Mautaku: it was the picture of desolation and misery.

Feb. 26--Visited Waimate, and called at seven residences; but did not meet as great a number of Natives as I expected, because they were busy in clearing away the woods. However, I found enough at the various places to employ me for three hours. It is quite cheering to our minds to go out amongst the Natives, they generally are so ready to listen to all we have to say. I feel myself more in my work when engaged in this way, than I do at any other employment: and now I have a horse I can visit much more than before, and, at the same time, not neglect the other important part of our occupations--the translation of the Scripture into the Native Language.

Feb. 27--Visited the Natives at Tako, a large Settlement on the coast, about 12 miles from Kiddeekiddee: I went on horseback, and took two of my Boys to shew me the road, which, in some places, is very bad and dangerous. The Chief of Tako, Wata, was gone to Wangaroa, to see Ururoa, who is ill: his wife was at home, and all her people. I had never been at this place before; nor has it been visited more than twice by Europeans. My reception was very gracious: the old lady scolded her Slaves at a furious rate, because they were so long in cooking food for myself and Boys. I spoke to five parties, and declared to them the unsearchable riches of Christ. When I had crossed the river, on my return home, a party came up from the southward. Tetore, a Chief of Waimate, was going to the place which I had left: he was carrying a small piece of stick, as a memento of the late Paue, which was fastened to the top of a spear; and he, as the bearer, was tapued, and dared not eat till he had delivered it to the person for whom it was intended. I offered him a piece of gingerbread which I had in my pocket; but when he saw it, he fled from it as from a serpent.

Feb. 28 -- Taria came down to our house; but we would not speak to him, on account of his late ill behaviour.

March 6 -- Seven messengers, from different Chiefs at Waimate, came for medicine for their masters: a great number of diseases at present rage amongst the Natives.

March 10--About 100 Natives passed through Kiddeekiddee very hastily, on their way to the residence of the late Koikoi; where they are going to take away all the food, for some bad words which the old man said just before his death. We never say any thing to dissuade them from this, as it is quite right according to native custom; and an interference in their regulations, except

where life is at stake, would be productive of no good.

March 14, 1829--Went down to Rangheehoo, and visited the Natives at Pyhea on my way. Heard of the destruction of Mr. Campbell's Brig, the "Haweis," by the Natives at the southward; and afterwards heard the whole truth: three of her crew were killed and eaten, but the vessel and the rest of the crew were saved by Captain Clarke.

March 18--A large number of Natives from Shukeanga passed through the Settlement: Patuoni was with them, and they consequently behaved very well. I this evening addressed our Natives on the willingness of Christ to receive all that come to Him.

March 19 --Visited the Natives down the river; and met with a large number, about 250: they were full of levity, being on a stripping expedition, and would not listen to me at all.

March 20--Went to Ware Puke, to see after some trees which were carried down the river in the last flood: I set my Boys to cut one up, and to split it into lathes for my house, which will soon be ready for plastering. Warepu and Ane, two old servants in the Settlement, were married this evening: they are likely to do exceedingly well: their marriage is not a hurried thing, but has been in contemplation for more than twelve months.

March 22: Sunday-- Preached to the Europeans at Kiddeekiddee from Eph. v. 1, 2. and administered the Lord's Supper: Rewa, our principal Chief, was present at our Morning Service. In the afternoon, I attended School, and addressed the Natives. Went up the hill, and to Kororiko, and spoke to two large parties of Natives who were waiting for the tide: they were attentive.

March 23-25 -- Messrs. W. Williams, Puckey, and Shepherd came to Kiddeekiddee on Monday last; and we spent three days in close application to the language.

March 26--Visited the Natives at Waimate: I found but very few at home, as great numbers were gone to the other side of the Island, on a stripping expedition; and to give an invitation to attend a Hahaunga, or removal of bones, which will take place at Waimate in about six weeks.

March 31 --Visited the Natives at Mauperi Lake: I went by way of Waimate, and slept at the residence of the youngest Brother of the late Shunghee. I spoke to fourteen parties; some of whom were attentive, and others exceedingly careless.

April 12: Sunday--Preached to the Europeans at Kiddeekiddee, from John viii. 21: in the afternoon, attended School, and addressed the Natives: there were 80 Boys and Girls present.

April 14, 15, 1829--Went to Waimate, Pukenui, and Mauperi: I met some very large parties, and spoke at 17 different villages. I am in sad want of a good tent: the one which I have at present is so very small, that I cannot lie down in it; and I am very much exposed to damps daring the night, which are extremely pernicious. The Natives made many excellent remarks about what I had said to them at my last visit. They certainly do not forget much; and only require to be often visited, to cause them to retain a great deal of the letter of the Gospel. During my round, I saw two old women most cruelly cutting themselves with cockle-shells: all that I could say to them had no effect: for more than three-quarters of an hour they continued their barbarous employment, and perfectly astonished me at the quantity of blood which they lost.

April 16--Shunghee's eldest Son paid us a visit this morning, from Wangaroa: he brought two pigs as a present.

April 17--This being Good Friday, I preached to the Europeans at Kiddeekiddee, from John xix. 30; and in the afternoon, from Acts viii. 32, 33: in the evening, I addressed the Natives from the latter text; they were all very attentive. Although this is a fast-day, we were obliged to give the Natives a feast of rice and pork: we cannot keep any of the Fasts or Festivals of our Church without the Natives being treated with something.

April 18: Sunday--In the middle of Service, Mr. Baker's house was broken into by one of his Natives; so that I was prevented administering the Sacrament till evening, as Mr. Kemp and Mr. Hamlin went after the thief. In the afternoon, attended the School, and addressed the Natives.,

April 24--Visited the Natives at Waimate: they were most of them gone to the Hahaunga, or removal of bones. The bones were those of the late Shungee. This is the third, and I believe the last time they will be removed.

May 4-6--Went to Rangheehoo, in company with Messrs. Clarke and Kemp,

to our Monthly Meeting: we examined the translation of the First Chapter of St. John, and prepared it for the press.

May 12, 1829--Old Wata, a very venerable man, a Chief of Tako, came down, according to the promise which he made me on Saturday last, and sold us twenty-four baskets of Indian Corn of very excellent quality: he brought twenty-four Slaves to carry it; and they had to bring it, over a very bad road, more than fourteen miles. The payment was two best blankets.

May 13, 14--Visited the Natives at Waimate and the Ahuahu. I spoke to fifteen parties, in number about 350. On my way, I was met by the Wife of Titore: she was going to Kiddeekiddee, to fetch me to her husband, who is very ill: he is a man of great consequence, second only to Rewa. I found him lying by the side of a small brook, with no other covering but the heavens: I bled him, and gave him some medicine, and advised his going under some shelter. He said, "No," that he was under a tapu, and therefore dared not to go. "If," said he, "I were now to go into a house, the Atua would be very angry; he would cause this stone to pass through my ribs and to enter my heart, and I should die. As it is," he continued, "there are bullets inside me; one in my arm, another in my thigh, and one in my throat." I endeavoured to reason him out of so absurd a belief; but he was so superstitious, that he turned a deaf ear to all that I said on the subject. When I had bled him, he said, "There, that is good: now there is a hole, and perhaps the bullets may be permitted by the Atua to pass out of me, and I shall live." Before I passed on my way, I boiled him some tea, which he drank: it evidently refreshed him, the depression of his spirits vanished, and he felt himself much better.

I verily believe that there is nothing which a New Zealander feels more than a little attention paid to him when sick. Any thing which we can do in that way, either to the rich or the poor, is almost certain to gain us friends. On my return to Kiddeekiddee I found the Tribe Nga-te-rahairi there: they consisted of about 300: they were on their way to a feast at Tako. They behaved very well, but were extremely noisy.

May 15--I have this day witnessed what I never did before in New Zealand --a number of Natives come into the Settlement and being troublesome. It was not, however, intended for us: it was right according to their native customs. A Boy of Mr. Baker's had been inland, and during that time had married a Girl living at Mr. Clarke's. This Girl had been some time set apart for her father-in-law, and consequently could not marry any other without subjecting, not only herself, but also her husband to death. After they were married, they returned to Kiddeekiddee; and two days after, the whole Tribe came down, to take the bride away, and to give the bridegroom a thorough beating: they dared not to go further lengths than this, because he is a great man amongst them. In searching for the bride, the Natives were very unruly: the presence of Rewa could not keep them from jumping over our fences, and running all over our places, to find the hidden-one: they at length discovered her retreat, gave her a beating, and carried her in triumph away. It all passed off very well: but it might have been of serious consequence, as her brother pointed his gun, and was just about to shoot her, when it was snatched away by a friend. She will not now receive any further injury; but I know not whether she will be returned to her husband, or kept some little time longer for her father-in-law.

May 16 -- A Native came this morning, to take away a Girl of Mr. Kemp's, who but a short time before had been redeemed: he tried very hard, but was unable to gain his point. Unahanga, a Boy of mine, who went last week with an intention of going with the Wangaroa Natives to a battle, returned, and said he would rather sit with me in peace.

May 30 -- A Chief from Waimate, named Moka, came down to sell some pigs: he brought me payment for a hatchet, which his wife stole from me some months ago.

June 1-3--At Pyhea, at our Monthly Meeting. We examined Chapters iv. and v. of Matthew. During my absence, a very large party from the southward came to pay a visit to Rewa. In paying them the usual compliments, his gun burst, and his hand was very much wounded. On this account, all his food and blankets and other possessions will be taken away from him by his friends, as a mark of disrespect.

June 11, 12 --Visited the Natives at Waimate. There were a vast multitude of Natives assembled together, from all parts of the Island, to a feast given by the people of Waimate, at the remo-

val of the bones of Paru. I had an excellent opportunity of speaking to them; and, on the whole, they were attentive.

June 21, 1829: Sunday--Baptized the Infant Children of Messrs. Baker and Hamlin, and also the Daughter of Tana and Ranghi, a married couple who have long been living with Mr. Kemp: in the evening, I addressed the Natives on the subject of Baptism.

June 28: Sunday--Opened the new School-Room, as a temporary Chapel. I preached in the morning, read a Sermon in the afternoon, and addressed the Natives in the evening. Our Morning Service is conducted in the Native Language, except the Sermon; our Afternoon Service all in the English Language; and our Evening Service entirely in Native.

June 30--A large party from Wangaruru came up to Kiddeekiddee this morning: they very soon left for Shukeanga. I went to meet them at Kororiko, their landing-place, but could not get in a word. They had a sham-fight with our Boys, and concluded with their hideous dance.

July 31-- A large party of the Nga-te-mau took their departure this morning: they were loaded with guns and powder, their gods, and presents from the Nga-puhi. I visited them at Kororiko. They were too much engaged to listen to my message.

Aug. 2: Sunday--A number of Sailors came on shore, from a vessel lying at Rangheehoo: their behaviour was worse, far worse, than any thing I ever witnessed before. Certainly the English Sailors are a dreadful curse to this land.

Sept. 22--Went with Mr. Kemp and Mrs. Hamlin to the Settlement at Rangheehoo: we were stopped in our way down the river, because it was tapued; but when we reasoned with the Natives, they let us pass. When we arrived at Rangheehoo, we were very ill-treated by the Natives there: they took our sails, beat our Boys, and did every thing but offer us personal violence. No conduct could well be worse. We found Mrs. Shepherd dangerously ill. Returned by night to Kiddeekiddee.