CHAPTER IV.
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CHAPTER IV.
ORIGINATION OF THE NEW-ZEALAND MISSION--DIFFICULTIES--RANGIHOUA, THE FIRST STATION, AFTERWARDS REMOVED TO TEPUNA--VISIT OF HONGI AND WAIKATO TO ENGLAND--KERIKERI, THE SECOND STATION--DIFFICULTIES AT ITS FORMATION, AND FOR THE FIRST FEW YEARS--PAIHIA, THE THIRD STATION-- OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF IT--WAIMATE, THE FOURTH STATION--VILLAGES, CHAPELS, AND SCHOOLS, CONNECTED WITH IT--KAITAIA, THE FIFTH STATION--PURIRI, THE SIXTH STATION--OTHER STATIONS PROJECTED.
THE attention of the Church Missionary Society was first directed to New Zealand by the representations made to them, from time to time, by the Rev. Samuel Marsden, Senior Chaplain of the Colony of New South Wales. It was altogether owing to the unwearied exertions of this warm and disinterested friend of the New Zealanders, that a Mission was eventually established among them. As few men have met with greater hindrances, or have been more vehemently opposed; so no man was ever naturally better fitted to battle through difficulties, and to live-down opposition, than Mr. Marsden. His mind was bent upon effecting the welfare of this country; and neither cost nor labour was spared, till his purposes were fully accomplished. The visits of a few Chiefs at his parsonage, at Parramatta, had given him a high
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ORIGINATION OF THE NEW-ZEALAND MISSION.
idea of the superior character and disposition and abilities of the New Zealanders. On his first visit here, he found them, as he had anticipated, bold, daring, adventurous, warlike, and in the possession of good natural sense; presenting a fine field for Christian labours, and for the hand of civilization.
It was not till after very mature consideration, on the part of the Committee of the Church Missionary Society, that the solicitations of Mr. Marsden, for assistance in the formation of a Missionary Establishment, were assented to; and, even then, the means afforded were necessarily so inadequate, that any other than a mind formed like his would probably have abandoned the plan altogether. It was no small task which the Committee imposed upon themselves, to find persons of a suitable character for the undertaking; men who should be willing, with their lives in their hands, to go to the uttermost parts of the earth, to live among a strange and savage people, with whose language they were unacquainted, and of whose manners and customs, all they knew amounted but to this--that they were a nation of ferocious barbarians. The Committee, however, sent out from England three individuals, whom they placed under the direction of Mr. Marsden; and assigned the sum of five hundred pounds per annum, for the purpose of making a commencement in these distant lands. The destruction of the Boyd, and the massacre of her crew by the
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ORIGINATION OF THE NEW-ZEALAND MISSION.
natives of Wangaroa, for some time prevented these early Labourer* from proceeding farther than New South Wales: nor was it till the latter end of the year 1814 that they reached the scene of their future toils, and effected a landing in New Zealand. The difficulties with which they had, in the first instance, to contend, and the dangers to which they were exposed, have been narrated at large, in the publications of the Church Missionary Society. It was no small consolation to the friends of the Heathen, (and they took it as an earnest that the blessing of God was in reserve for this people) that a footing was obtained amongst them. Their faith was enlarged, and their hope was strengthened, as they heard, that, from day to day, the lives of these Labourers were preserved, amidst all the dangers of this savage land.
RANGIHOUA, a native village on the north-west side of the Bay of Islands, under the chieftainship of Tuatara, was the place first selected, or rather first occupied; for there was then no choice of situations: and, notwithstanding powerful enemies from both within and without, the Gospel has never yet been driven away from that place. During the early years of the Mission, almost all that the members could do, was to keep their ground. The threats which were frequently held out to them by the natives would probably have sufficed to drive them away, had they at that time understood the language, of which, happily for them, they were ignorant. Privations of almost
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RANGIHOUA, THE FIRST STATION IN NEW ZEALAND.
every nature--the want of shelter, of food, of raiment, of companions--might be borne with comparative ease; but the taunts, and revilings, and threats, of those whom we only desired to benefit, and for whose sake all earthly comfort was given up, were most difficult to endure with patience and firmness and faith. In the first years of the Mission, and when its resources were limited to a very small annual sum, no extensive plans could be adopted for the general good. But when the " Active, " a small schooner, was purchased, and employed in the Mission, the Missionaries were better able to procure timber, and to erect permanent houses. The enemies of this Mission, however, most to be dreaded, were some of their own household. The number of Labourers was increased; and some, influenced by the spirit of the wicked one, early crept in among the faithful few. So far, indeed, did some of them dishonour the self-denying doctrines of the Cross, which they had been sent here to teach, that no less painful a plan could be adopted, than an ignominious erasure of their names from the list of the Society's Labourers. Meanwhile, the rest struggled on through various difficulties, of which it would be almost impossible to convey an adequate impression. Placed at such an immense distance from the source of their supplies; suffering through the lowness of the Society's funds; little competent to learn, and grammatically to arrange, a barbarous language; embarrassed by the superstitions of
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RANGIHOUA, THE FIRST STATION IN NEW ZEALAND.
the natives, many of which were not understood by the Missionaries, and consequently were frequently broken in upon without the power of explaining that it was done unwittingly; they seemed to be labouring almost in vain, and hoping against hope. When once, however, our early friends began to converse with the natives, and in some degree were able to make themselves intelligible, and to understand the meaning of those to whom they were sent, the clouds began to pass away, and light plainly dawned upon their future course.
It was about this time that the illustrious Hongi, with Waikato, a chief of no small importance at Rangihoua, visited England. They were introduced to the Prince Regent, who received them favourably; and they returned from the royal presence loaded with valuable presents. After having extensively travelled about the country, they were provided with a comfortable passage back to New Zealand, and landed on their own shores with large supplies of all that they or their friends valued most. From this period, the Missionaries rose in the estimation of the natives generally, and were ever after beloved and protected by Hongi, and by his people. To the friendliness of this warlike chief may, under God, be attributed the safety of the Mission. In many critical moments, he threw himself between the little unprotected body, and death; with much energy he prevented attacks upon property; and
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STATION AT RANGIHOUA TRANSFERRED TO TEPUNA.
never, let the cost be what it might to himself, would he allow the destruction of any thing belonging to those whom he called his friends. I believe that he thus gave his countenance to the Missionaries from a sincere conviction that they wished well to him, to his countrymen, and to all mankind; and that it was a desire, not to aggrandise themselves, but to benefit others, that brought them from their own native land, to his. It was long ere the generality of New Zealanders were convinced of this truth; and till this opinion was adopted, all the influence of Hongi could not, at times, protect the Missionaries from insult. Ever exposed to the caprice of uneducated savages, the nervous system of some of the members was considerably shaken. Any man, however strong his mind or bold his natural disposition, must have felt his unprotected and exposed situation, when he saw two or three hundred naked savages rushing upon him, with spears pointed, clubs brandished, muskets loaded--and, in their rush, assuming the most terrific postures, and uttering the most fiendlike yells: he could not but feel that his person and his property, together with the persons of his family, were subject to the violent passions of those, whose tender mercies are cruel. Nothing but a sense that he was under the guardianship of a Heavenly Friend, who never leaves nor forsakes his people, could have preserved him at such moments from sinking into despair. At Rangihoua, there have been
[Image of page 171] STATION AT RANGIHOUA TRANSFERRED TO TEPUNA.
various Labourers: none of the early ones, however, now remain, except Mr. King, the senior Labourer of the New-Zealand Mission. His time, for now nearly twenty years, has been occupied in promoting the temporal and eternal welfare of the Heathen. Amidst all the changes that have taken place, and unmoved by some, who, having set their hand to the plough at this particular spot, have looked back, he has always remained at his post; and, by a steady and undeviating course, has gained the affections and the confidence of the natives, and the general esteem of all his Fellow-labourers.
The houses at Rangihoua having become so dilapidated as to be no longer habitable, it was recommended to remove the Station to TEPUNA, on the other side the hill, in a small valley formerly cultivated by the natives of the place. Of the eligibility of this place for a Station, over that which was formerly occupied, no doubt can be entertained; but it never will be an extensive field. It is a very romantic spot, having the Bay before it, and being everywhere surrounded with hills. The land is swampy, but may with ease be drained: the landing is unpleasant, and at times dangerous, on account of the steepness of the beach, and from the heavy surf that rolls in from the great Southern Ocean, when the wind blows from the east or south.
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STATION OF KERIKERI----
KERIKERI, next in succession to Tepuna or Rangihoua, was first established on the arrival of Messrs. Butler and Kemp from England. On the hill immediately joining the settlement, was a large native village, occupied by the tribe Ngai-te-waki, with the warrior Hongi at their head. It is a beautiful and picturesque spot, situated at the confluence of the tide and of the fresh-water stream from which it takes its name. The vale is an amphitheatre of small extent; but well situated, sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds by the hills at the back, and from the east and north-east gales by those in front. The waters of the Kerikeri fall over a rock, about nine feet high at ebb tide, into a beautiful and extensive basin, and then pass on with the tide to the Bay of Islands. The river is navigable, to within four miles of the settlement, for vessels of a hundred and fifty tons, and for small craft up to the wharf on the Station. This will always be an important place, from its local situation; being the only eligible spot for conveying the riches of the land from the interior to the harbours. Roads to any other place on the banks of the river, from any of the cultivable districts, are almost impracticable; and on this account the situation will be always commanding and valuable. There are several good buildings, belonging to the Society, erected at Kerikeri: a capacious public store, built of whinstone, graces the front of the settlement, and stands close upon the banks of the river. A wharf runs from the
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DIFFICULTIES AT ITS FIRST FORMATION.
front door down to the water, alongside which vessels of five-and-twenty tons may lie with safety, and discharge their cargoes. A two-story weather-board house, with a verandah front, constitutes the left wing; and a weather-board house and store, the right On the little eminence in the back-ground of the settlement stands a lath-and-plaster chapel, thirty-eight feet by twenty, which has a very neat appearance from the water: on the same hill, and in a line with the chapel, is another house, occupied by Mr. Baker: this building is wattled, has a verandah in front, and, were it not for the unsightliness of its roof, would add much to the beauty of the place. The whole ground consists of gardens, well secured by fences, and stocked with many choice and flourishing fruit-trees. The difficulty of forming a school here was, in the first instance, very great: a few boys were collected together; but they were absent so frequently, from their thinking that they must all be rewarded for their attendance, that the school soon dwindled to nothing. Nor were the services on the Sabbath, for a long period, better attended: the natives living in the settlement, when the first sound of the Sabbath-bell caught their ears, would simultaneously run away, and employ themselves in fishing, or rowing their canoes, or in some other of their native sports. Sometimes they would come into the chapel, dressed in the most fantastic style; and at others, in a state next to nudity. Not unfrequently, in the middle of the
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THE STATION OF KERIKERI
service, they would suddenly start up, with the cry of "That's a lie! that's a lie! who will stay to hear what that man has to say? Let us all, all go." --But now, how changed the scene! The greatest punishment we can inflict, now, is to prevent a native, who has been acting wrong, from attending school: the Sabbath is a delight: its approach is looked forward to with real pleasure by many, and by all with satisfaction. The walls of the House of Prayer are no more deserted; but, at times, numbers press for entrance, who cannot find room. An attentive congregation, consisting of the settlement natives, is always ensured; and when people passing through the settlement, from distant villages, stay here during the day of rest, they likewise attend the services of the day; and invariably behave with that propriety which shows their sense of the sacredness of the service and the place. Kerikeri has now some bright ornaments of the Christian Religion, amongst the domestic natives of the Station; and "some from amongst their number have entered into the joy of their Lord.*
There is one circumstance, connected with the Kerikeri Settlement, which must not be passed
*A more certain seal to the labours of the Missionaries at this Station could not be given, than in the life and death of Anne Waiapu. A more pleasing death-bed scene, than here presented, cannot well be imagined; certainly cannot be desired: and what made the whole satisfactory, was, that her previous life accorded with her dying experience. A short account of her death will be found in the next Chapter.
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FAVOURED AND PROTECTED BY HONGI.
over; namely, the manner in which the place was identified, in the minds of all the natives, with Hongi. In any time of danger, he was always present to restrain the fury of the people, and to prevent, if it lay within his power so to do, insult being offered, or injury done, to the Missionaries or their property. On rumours of invasion from other tribes, Hongi was first at his post: by day and night he watched for the welfare of the Europeans. But, with all the energy of his mind--and, for a New Zealander, his was a mighty mind--he often found it impossible to check the fury of his countrymen. No doubt, however, can be entertained, that the Kerikeri, in many instances, has owed its safety to his interference; and at his death, had not the whole country changed, as it were, its character, and had not a general understanding been established--that, let whatever would happen, the Missionaries were not to be molested--his removal might have been fatal to this settlement. I believe that nearly his last words, in the presence of all his friends, were --"Let the Missionaries sit in peace: they have done good; but they have done no harm." From the date of his death, the members of the Kerikeri ceased to bar their gates, and bolt their doors whenever a strange party arrived: they seemed to enjoy a peace and a security, to which they had previously been strangers.
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OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE STATION AT PAIHIA.
"The Settlement* at PAIHIA was commenced in August 1823. It is situated on the south side of the Bay of Islands, on a pleasant piece of ground, a quarter of a mile in front, and containing fifteen acres of level land, available for cultivation. At this place, the Rev. Henry Williams and Mr. Fairburn, with their families, commenced their labours, in the midst of several tribes, who occupied the land for a considerable distance on each side of them. A raupo-house, forty feet by fourteen, was erected in a few days; in which both families lived during the first year. The natives around, at this time, were in an exceedingly wild and uncontrollable state; and though nothing was lost for many days after the landing of the Missionaries, it was soon found needful to make every thing as secure as possible. Their rush habitation was continually beset, from day-light till dark, by friends and neighbours, who were attracted by the novelty of the things they beheld; and who felt themselves also at full liberty, upon every opportunity, to thrust in their persons at the doors, or their heads in at the windows: the fences were no obstruction to them. A few boys and girls came to live with the Missionaries; but a single word, from any of the chiefs, would send them all off in an instant. It was frequently the
*This account of operations at Paihia, extending from August 1823 to June 1831, and touching also on the state of things during the subsequent year, is taken from an official Report sent to England by desire of the Committee of the Church Missionary Society. --ED.
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OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF THE STATION AT PAIHIA.
case, that, when particularly wanted, all would run away into the bush, thinking thereby to show their new countrymen how necessary they were to their proceedings. There are instances, where some have joined the families for the purpose of possessing themselves of some articles of clothing, or cooking utensils, and decamping in the course of a night or two. This conduct continued, in a greater or less degree, for two years, but not longer. Since then, the numbers have greatly increased; and their behaviour has been more orderly.
"The communication with Port Jackson, at this period, was very uncertain; as were also the supplies of stores and provision from thence. The Rev. Samuel Marsden had long expressed a desire to have a vessel attached to the Mission; but there was much difficulty in the way of procuring one. However, as timber was plentiful in the Bay, it was determined to lay down a schooner of fifty-two feet keel; which was accordingly done, under the full conviction of its great importance to the prosperity, and even existence, of the Mission. This, however, was a ponderous undertaking in those early days, and required every exertion of those engaged in it. The schooner was finished after twenty months' hard work, and launched under the name of the Herald's to the great astonishment of the natives, and to the great relief of all in the settlement; as it formed the desired means of communication between the
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BUILDING OF A VESSEL,
Mission and Port Jackson. She was afterwards lost, at the entrance of the Hokianga River, on the west coast, in May 1828.
"In 1829, it was thought desirable that a small vessel, not exceeding thirty feet keel, should be built, for the purpose of transporting stores from ships in the Bay to the public store at the Kerikeri; and also to proceed occasionally on the coast, to procure potatoes for the Schools. She was accordingly built; and launched on the 10th May 1830, under the name of the 'Karere'; that is, The Messenger .
"In August 1824, Mr. and Mrs. Davis and family, and Mr. Charles Davis, joined the Mission from England; and, after passing some months at the Kerikeri, it was concluded that they should reside at Paihia. In 1828, Mr. Charles Davis sailed for England, with the approbation of the Corresponding Committee in New South Wales. Mr. Davis and his family laboured at this Station till the formation of the Waimate Settlement. In 1825, the Rev. William Williams, and Mrs. Williams, arrived from England, and have laboured in the settlement ever since. In 1829, the Rev. Alfred Brown, and Mrs. Brown, arrived from England; and in a few days, Mr. Brown commenced his important duty of instructing the English boys belonging to the settlement; there not being at that time sufficient accommodation to receive those from the other Stations. In 1830, Mr. and Mrs. Chapman arrived from England;
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AND ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOLS AT PAIHIA.
and continued here until their removal to the Kerikeri, by order of the Committee. In 1831, Mr. Puckey was received into the Mission as a Catechist.
"The Schools were commenced in 1823 with the native boys and girls; as was also a Sunday School. The English girls were instructed twice a-week, till 1827; when they came daily to school, morning and afternoon. In 1825, the English boys were brought under instruction. The first general examination was held in December 1828. The progress of the Schools during this period was very satisfactory, considering the difficulties under which they laboured. Visiting the natives in the neighbourhood, for religious instruction, commenced in 1823. The communications of the Missionaries were made by means of an interpreter; and it pleased the Lord to bless their endeavours, in 1824, to the conversion of a chief at Waitangi, who was baptized by the name of 'Christian Rangi.'
"As the Missionaries acquired a knowledge of the language, the name of the Lord was more extensively proclaimed", but there was no apparent effect until a few days previous to the battle at Kororareka, when a very manifest change appeared in the general conduct of the natives living in the settlement. Several came forward, declaring their belief in what had been taught them, and expressing a desire to turn from their evil ways to the Lord their Redeemer. This
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INTERCOURSE WITH OTHER TRIBES.
feeling has continued; and many have been added to the number. So great a change taking place amongst the natives, at so eventful and trying a period, naturally strengthened the hands of the Missionaries, and established their faith in the word and promises of the Lord.
"Four voyages were made to Tauranga in the 'Herald', for the purpose of seeing the tribes in that neighbourhood; but the loss of that vessel prevented all further efforts, for a season. The situation of this settlement, in relation to other tribes not immediately connected with it, has been found exceedingly advantageous: it is placed, as it were, between the parties who come from the distant districts, for the purpose of bartering with the shipping; and opportunities of speaking upon the grand subject of salvation through Jesus Christ, as well as of interfering in their frequent quarrels, have been thus afforded, and have tended much to check that feeling of jealousy which has existed for many years between them.
"The buildings erected in this Station are, a chapel, two lath-and-plaster dwellings, out-build-ings, and workshops of weather-board.
"The total number of native baptisms, from the commencement of the Station, to June 30, 1831, was thirty, including ten children. Of this number, six of the adult baptized natives have gone, it is believed, to dwell with that Saviour whom they loved and honoured while on earth. The
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SABBATH SERVICES AT PAIHIA.
preceding portion of the report briefly comprehends the principal events which have occurred at this Station, from its commencement, to June 1831.
"The Sunday Services are conducted in the chapel At eight o'clock in the morning, the natives in the settlement are assembled, together with the Mission families in the Station, and such European residents, in different parts of the Bay, as are disposed to attend. The Prayers of our Church, and one of the Lessons, are read in the New-Zealand language; and the Natives are also addressed in their own tongue. The remainder of the Service, with a sermon, is in the English language. After service, the Missionaries and some of the baptized natives disperse, by water and land, to different settlements within a short distance of the Station, particularly to Kororareka and Otuihu where attentive congregations are generally found, waiting their arrival. And it is worthy of remark, that a large proportion of these natives consists of the poor deluded females who have been taken by their parents or masters on board the ships, for the sake of sordid gain.
"In the mean time, the Native Boys' School is catechized by one of the baptized youths. The Native Girls' School, the Infant School, and the English Girls' School, are respectively attended to by the wives of the Missionaries; while the English Boys' School remains in charge of one of the Missionaries, by rotation. --At three o'clock,
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SCRIPTURAL TRANSLATIONS,
Service, exclusively English, is holden; and at six in the evening, a concluding Service in the native language. --The attention shown on these occasions by the natives is an abundant encouragement to the prosecution of the great work; and many, from time to time, are added unto the Church. The number of baptisms during the past year was five adults and three children. The work of translation has hitherto proceeded but slowly, owing, in great measure, to the pressure of secular occupation which falls to the share of the Missionaries in New Zealand, and which is not known in many other fields of Missionary labour. Up to June 1832, there have been translated at this Station, three chapters of Genesis; the Gospel of St. Matthew; the Acts of the Apostles; the Church Catechism, and one other Catechism; part of the Liturgy; the Baptismal, Sacramental, and Burial Services; and part of the Marriage Service. There art at Paihia five schools. The Native Boys' School is assembled from six to eight in summer, and from seven to nine in winter, every morning. The average attendance is 60. They are taught reading, writing, arithmetic, catechisms, &c. The number now on the books is 71; the total taught from the beginning, 263. Their general behaviour has been good. The Native Girls' School is assembled from nine to twelve in the morning, and from two to four in the afternoon, four days in the week. The principal attendance is in the
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AND STATE OF THE SCHOOLS.
afternoon, when the average number is 40. The number now on the books is 50; the total taught from the beginning, 209. They are taught reading, writing, arithmetic, catechisms, and sewing. In their behaviour, a very decided change for the better has manifested itself. The system of Circulating Classes, adopted from the Islington Parochial School in this and in the Native Boys' School, has been attended with much success. Most of the native females are living in the Mission families, and assist in the household duties; and the remainder are under continual care. The Infant School was commenced in January 1832, and contains 22 pupils, English and Natives. The general system of instruction used in England has been introduced in the English, as well as in the native language, together with Watts's Catechisms; and has been found to succeed equally well with native children as with European. The English Boys' School contains the sons of the Missionaries; fourteen of whom are now under instruction. The system which has been adopted, embraces religious instruction, geography, history, arithmetic, and the classics. The English Girls' School contained, at the commencement of the past twelvemonth, ten pupils, including the younger children, who have since been transferred to the Infant School. There are now but four pupils. The yearly examination of the Schools took place in December 1831, and gave great satisfaction to the Missionaries present.
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PACIFICATION OF WARLIKE TRIBES
"Considerable agitation of feeling was manifested among all the natives in the northern part of the island, at Hokianga, and even to the North Cape, in consequence of a party of natives having been cut off in the neighbourhood of Tauranga, who had left the Bay of Islands for the purpose of seeking satisfaction for the death of Hongi, and their other relatives, who had fallen in the battle at Kororareka. It was consequently determined by them, that, in the summer, all the natives should proceed to Tauranga; and, as many of the chiefs expressed great reluctance to fight, inasmuch as their relatives were the aggressors, the Missionaries were sanguine in the expectation that peace might be established between the two parties. On the 18th of October 1831, the Rev. Henry Williams, and Mr. T. Chapman, sailed in the 'Karere', for the purpose of visiting the natives at Tauranga and Rotorua, with an especial reference to the threatened expedition. The reception they met with was kind, and highly gratifying. In January, the expedition left the Bay; and as a desire had been expressed by the chiefs, that some of the Missionaries should accompany them, it was determined that the Rev. Henry Williams, Mr. J. Kemp, and Mr. W. Fairburn, should proceed with them, in the schooner 'Active'. It was many weeks before the flotilla entered Tauranga; when it was immediately seen that the Ngapuhi were bent on fighting. The Missionaries remained a few days in the harbour; but finding
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NEAR PAIHIA
all their remonstrances vain, they returned to the Bay of Islands. This was a season of much spiritual trial: the great enemy appeared to triumph; but the sure promises of the Lord were the support of His servants. After a week's reflection upon the awful situation of this deluded people, it was concluded to pay one more visit: accordingly, the Rev. Henry Williams and Mr. Fairburn sailed without delay; and were gratified to find the position of the natives much the same as when they left, and that they were more inclined to listen to expostulation. All appeared disappointed, and weary of their undertaking. The different parties were visited; but still, without any prospect of accomplishing the desired object. The Missionaries therefore returned home.
"In consequence of the close attention which this warlike proceeding required from the Missionaries, for many months, the visiting the natives to any distance from the settlement was in a great measure suspended. The Missionaries and baptized natives have however, occasionally, had opportunities of proclaiming the glad tidings of salvation amongst the surrounding tribes.
"A large addition has of late been made, by purchase, to the Society's land, on either side of the settlement; by which a good supply of timber, for fuel, has been secured. The land is generally barren, consisting for the most part of hills: the patches of low ground are available for cultivation, and afford also pasturage for the cattle.
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CONCLUSION OF THE REPORT
During the year, fourteen hundred bushels of potatoes have been raised toward the maintenance of the Schools.
"Imperfect," the Report continues, " as is the sketch of this Station, which has thus been traced, it contains enough to show that the Missionaries have abundant reason to view the past and the present with thankfulness--the future, with hope. They have had Missionary trials to contend with; but they have had, at the same time, the strong support of Missionary promises. Storms and tempests have, at times, assailed them, when their great enemy has, as it were, exclaimed, 'Their tacklings are loosed--they cannot well strengthen their mast--they cannot spread their sails: ' but even then they have recognised, by faith, their Master at the helm, in whose power they have out-ridden every gale. And still, placing all their confidence in Him, they believe that their frail bark will be brought in safety to the only haven of sure and inviolable rest.
"Although it may still be said of this people, as a nation, that gross darkness covers them, there are yet many encouraging indications of the great things God has in store for them. The great encouragement of the Missionaries, how-erver, is derived from the promises of Jehovah. His word has been proclaimed; --they know that it shall not return unto Him void . The foundation of a Church has been laid; --they know that the gates of hell will never be allowed to prevail
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OF PAIHIA.
against it ; and that, in spite of the opposition of the powers of darkness, it will proceed, till the headstone shall be brought forth, with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace, unto it! "
Thus concludes, as given by the Residents themselves at the desire of the Home Committee, a Report of the Establishment, and Increase of the Society's Third Station in New Zealand. Paihia is important, from its local situation; not because natives are living in the immediate neighbourhood; but, because it is neutral ground, on which contending parties can meet and settle their differences. This Station, from its proximity to the harbour, has suffered much from the conduct of the masters and crews of vessels. The members of the Mission have been compelled to make a bold stand against all the encroachments of these persons; and they have ever set their face, as a flint, against all the iniquity which abounds among Europeans and Americans in this lawless land. Had they given way, or by any means ceased to censure the conduct of by far the greater portion of the New-Zealand traders or of the crews of whaling-vessels, they might as well have aban doned their work, and left, for ever, the place where they are now residing. As it is, the cause of God and of Truth is prevailing; opposition loses its power; and the deeds of the wicked are done, comparatively, in secret. No surer sign can be given of each party's knowing that they are
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THE STATION AT WAIMATE----ON WHAT PRINCIPLES FORMED.
acting wrong, than this--that both Natives and Europeans are anxious to conceal from our Missionaries the iniquities which they are practising.
---
Till the formation of the WAIMATE Settlement, the Missionaries had been hovering, as it were, on the skirts of the country; and, with all the efforts that had previously been made, no permanent footing had been obtained beyond those outposts. We had long been watching the workings of the native mind; and looking for the openings of Providence, for the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We felt assured that no great work would be accomplished, till we could establish a Mission Station in the interior of the island, and in the midst of its cultivable and populous districts. From the Kerikeri, the Missionaries had to travel many miles, before they arrived at any native village; or before they could have an opportunity of declaring the truths of our holy religion to any but a few straggling parties, who might call at the settlement on their way to the Bay, or whom they might meet on their road to the native villages. The Kerikeri, in this view, is an important Station; because it is a general thoroughfare, from all parts, to the coast: and thus we frequently come in contact there with natives whom otherwise we should, probably, very seldom, or never, see. Nor has the formation of the inland Station superseded the use of the Kerikeri in this respect; as those natives
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THE STATION AT WAIMATE----ON WHAT PRINCIPLES FORMED.
who are totally unconnected with us still pass that way, and thus, at times, come within the sound of the Gospel, which, otherwise, they might never have heard. It must, however, be obvious to every one, at all conversant with Missionary labours, that the nearer we are to the usual residences of those whom we wish to benefit, the greater is the prospect of success. It was this thought, with the Waimate always in view, as the centre of a large district, that led eventually to the formation of this settlement. A secondary object, which was never lost sight of, was the purchase of land, in the interior, suitable for the growth of wheat, in order that the Mission might be supplied with flour produced in New Zealand, and that the funds of the Society might no longer be so largely drawn upon for the supplies of that necessary article, purchased at New South Wales-- purchased moreover, sometimes, at an enormous rate, from the droughts to which that country is subject. The Parent Committee have ever recommended the growth of wheat for our own subsistence; and have lent their warmest sanction, and most substantial aid, in furthering so very desirable an object. They thought, and justly too, that if the natives saw somewhat of the blessings of civilization, and the effects of industry, they would themselves become both civilized and industrious; and that when they beheld what their land was capable of producing, they would cultivate to a large extent, and add considerably
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ADVANTAGEOUS PURCHASE OF LAND----
to their temporal comforts. The natives of New Zealand had refused, for nearly fifteen years, to allow any one to reside near the villages in the interior; and had always rejected the overtures which had been made to them for the furtherance of the Gospel, in the vicinity in which they themselves resided. A few years ago, however, a general change was manifest in the opinions of some of the leading men, on this important subject: our offers having been so frequently rejected, we had nothing more to say; but rested, apparently content, with the Stations which we occupied. Now the scale began to turn; and the most pressing invitations were given, where, but a short time before, no terms of negociation would have been listened to. Experience has taught the New Zealanders, that the Missionaries sought, not theirs, but them; that their objects were, to add to their temporal comforts, and to endeavour to ensure their eternal welfare. Having been urged by the natives to take up our abode more in their immediate neighbourhood, the Local Committee, with the advice and assistance of Mr. Marsden, who happened at that time to be paying us a visit, resolved to select a site at the Waimate, which should possess these two advantages; namely, suitableness for a Missionary Station, from its near connexion with great numbers of natives; and a sufficiency of good land, for the purpose of agriculture, with a view to supply the whole Mission with flour and other produce. A fine spot
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FORMATION OF ROADS.
was marked out, possessing, in a high degree, both these advantages. The people expressed their willingness to part with it; and the land was made over, in proper form, to the Church Missionary Society and its Agents.
There were many difficulties in the way of forming this establishment: the first of which was, the want of a road, over which a cart could be driven, to convey stores to and from the coast, or the Kerikeri, a distance of about ten miles. After much research, a road was at length found, which headed most of the deep ravines, and avoided the swamps. By the erection of three substantial bridges--one of them over the river Waitangi, a deep and rapid stream, and two others over smaller and less important streams; and by cutting through a wood for about a quarter of a mile; a good road was formed, passable for drays and carts, both in summer and winter. The span of the bridge over the Waitangi is sixty feet; and its height, from the bed of the river, forty feet. This great work was performed, in little more than three months, by the natives themselves, with the assistance of Messrs. Clarke and Hamlin; who, in conjunction with Mr. Davis and myself, were appointed to reside at the New Settlement. Early in the year 1830, the Station was formed: the spot was admirably adapted for all the purposes for which it was intended, being in the centre of a numerous body of natives, within a reasonable distance of other tribes, with land available for all
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BEAUTIFUL SITUATION
the purposes of agriculture: and, with a good agriculturist to superintend that branch of the work, expectations were raised, which, as far as can be inferred from four years' experience, have every prospect of being realised. The settlement is beautifully situated on a plain, surrounded by hills: the front view, looking towards the north, is a long range of hills, covered with the most magnificent kauri-trees, and affording a superabundant supply of the best timber, within the reasonable distance of two miles from the spot where it is wanted for use. At the foot of these hills roll the limpid waters of the Waitangi, irrigating the fertile valley through which they flow: to the right of the Station is the noble hill called "Puke-nui", or the Great Hill; the whole of which, as well as the surrounding country, seems to be of volcanic origin. From the top of this eminence, one of the most splendid views which can be conceived, presents itself: in the extreme distance is the ocean, with its weltering waves; at its foot is the lake of Mawe, with scarcely a ripple on its surface. Here, the eye stretches down a deep valley, through which numberless little streams are playfully passing on to their great receptacle: there, a range of mountains is seen, topping one over the other, till the heavens themselves appear to intercept the view. In one place may be seen a few verdant spots, which show that the hand of man has been at work; and then the eye becomes almost weary with stretching
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OF THE SETTLEMENT AT WAIMATE.
its gaze over a wilderness of fern. Numberless native villages are visible in every direction; but, alas! they do not present the pleasing prospect which civilized man delights to gaze upon: the rude, untutored sons of nature have only habitations rude like themselves. To the left of the settlement, we have a distant view of the hills on the coast, and of the heads of the Bay of Islands; and in the near ground, some rich and luxuriant land, belonging to the tribe called Ngai-te-wiu. At the back of the Station runs a small creek, which forms its boundary; and on the other side of it are several small villages, with hill and dale beautifully diversified; with here and there a small sacred grove, dear to many a New Zealander, as containing the mouldering bones of relatives and friends. One of these groves forms the boundary of the Mission-land on the right of the settlement, and presents a most beautiful object in the scenery of the place. I think, with Baron Hugel, an Austrian nobleman, who paid us a visit to the Waimate, from His Majesty's ship " Alligator", that it would form a study, and be worthy of the attention of the first artists. It was indeed a singularly lovely place, before it was dismantled by the fury of the equinoctial gale in March 1834.
To all the native residences in connexion with the Waimate, stretching thirty-five miles to the south-west, roads have been cut by the people, to facilitate our visits to them, for the purpose of
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DEGREE OF SECURITY IN NEW ZEALAND.
preaching the Gospel*. The villages are very numerous, and the inhabitants scattered over a large tract of country: in most of these villages, and where the population is so great as to require them, Chapels have been erected, strictly
*I will here make a remark on the degree of security which I have enjoyed during my past residence in New Zealand. My domicile has often been left, for many days together, lockless, barless, and latchless; with nothing more to secure the door from being burst open, than a chair placed against it. In all possible ways, when on visits amongst the natives, has my travelling apparatus been exposed in an open tent; yet nothing was ever missing. It is true, that among some strange natives, who came from a great distance, and with whom we were altogether unacquainted, some petty thefts have taken place. But, whether at home or abroad, I have for the most part reposed the utmost confidence in their honesty. In my journeys, moreover, I have gone over many thousand miles, by night and by day, usually alone; and never met with a suspicious look from a native of the country. I have, indeed, occasionally heard of people being stopped on the road: but, upon inquiry, I found that they were either runaway sailors, or escaped convicts, whom the natives were pursuing, to take them back to their vessels, or to give them up into the hands of justice. Or, if more respectable characters than these have been stopped, I have usually found that justice was on the side of the natives; and that they had been wronged or misused by the persons, or the immediate friends of the persons, whom they would not allow to proceed on their way. I have also been accustomed to place the greatest dependence upon those natives whom I sent on messages, or employed in carrying letters or parcels to any part of the island. I never knew a case, where a native has been entrusted by me with a message, a parcel, or a letter, but he has faithfully performed his errand. Not a week has passed without my having had to make communication to Europeans living at a distance from the Waimate; and whatever might be the value of what was to be sent, I had no hesitation in giving it in charge to a bush-native, if I could find one; that is, a native who has not been accustomed to Europeans, but has all his life resided among his own people.
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CHAPELS AND HOUSES
native; and have been dedicated to the service of the Redeemer. Some of them are constructed with rushes; others, with bark neatly sewed together; others, with both these materials, conjointly; and one, more substantial, has been erected with weather-board. They are spacious enough to contain between 150 and 200 persons each and though much cannot be said for their internal decorations, yet they are, for native workmanship, peculiarly neat, comfortable, and well secured from all the inclemencies of the weather. A regular course of visiting is kept up by the Assistant Missionaries, every Sabbath, and the Service of the Church of England is performed by them, Whenever the weather does not prevent travelling. At other times, they are visited by the resident Clergyman of the Waimate; and occasionally, on the Sabbath-day, his attention is directed towards them, but only when it is not likely to interfere with the spiritual duties of the settlement.
In these villages, Sabbath and Week-day Schools have been established, -with the sanction of the chief, under the instruction of some of the people who have previously been taught in the Mission Schools. In the settlement itself, there are four Schools in active operation: an Infant School, at which there is an average attendance of twenty-five*; a School for youths and adults, open from
*From the local facilities of this Station, the children in the Infant School are brought up in habits of industry. They are taught to prepare flax, to be used for weaving themselves garments, and for other purposes; by which they are not only occupied in some beneficial employment, but they learn to what good account the resources of their own country may be turned.
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SCHOOLS, AND VARIOUS
six o'clock till eight in the summer, and from seven till nine during the winter months; a School in the afternoon for the women and girls living in the Station, of which there are generally about fifty; and a School for the infant children of the Missionaries, whose age does not permit them to go to the general European Schools at Paihia. After morning-school is ended, the remaining portion of the day is devoted to the work of the settlement, which must necessarily be very various; and all of which is done by natives, under the immediate direction and superintendence of the lay-members of the Station. Excepting a millwright to erect a mill, and a blacksmith to prepare the iron-work for that mill, no European has been employed in the work of the settlement*. By the natives, and, as was said before, under the direction of Messrs. Clarke, Davis, and Hamlin, upwards of fifty thousand bricks have been made
*There was one other exception; during a few months, a European labourer had to take care of the horses, till the natives could be entrusted with them. The New Zealanders were wholly unaccustomed to these noble animals; and many of them had never before seen so large a quadruped. After a few months, and as soon as they were thought capable, though clumsily, of managing them, the services of Europeans were dispensed with, and the horses, with all their labour in agriculture, in carting, drawing timber, &c., were turned over to the hands of the boys. There are only six horses engaged on the farm; the others are used as saddle-horses, to visit the people at their distant settlements.
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EMPLOYMENTS AT WAIMATE.
and burnt, most of which were used in building chimneys: upwards of seven hundred thousand feet of timber have been felled, and sawn up into plank, board, scantling, &c.; and more than two hundred thousand shingles have been split, and made use of, Three substantial weather-board dwelling-houses, forty feet by twenty, with skilling at the back, and returned at the ends, have been erected; likewise stables for the accommodation of twelve or fourteen horses, stores, carpenters1 shops, blacksmiths1 shops, out-houses, eight or ten weather-board cottages, twenty feet by fifteen; and a spacious Chapel, capable of holding from three to four hundred persons.
The Mission-houses are fenced in with paling, and contain upwards of thirty acres; and all the inner fences and arrangements are completed. Such was the state of the Waimate, early in 1834, the commencement of its fourth year. The whole of the ground within these fences is broken up; some laid down with clover and grass; other parts appropriated to orchards, well stocked with fruit-trees; others, to good vegetable gardens; and portions, also, devoted to the service of the married natives, as gardens around their neat little domiciles. Outside the fences, and in what may be properly termed the farm, there are more than forty-eight acres sown with wheat, barley, oats, maize, lucerne, &c., of which about thirty acres were reaped last season. A prospect more pleasing cannot meet the eye of the philanthropist
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INTRODUCTION OF THE PLOUGH.
than the sight of the British plough breaking up the deserts of New Zealand; and the youth of New Zealand themselves, the drivers of that plough, and the conductors of the whole business, after they have received their instructions from their teachers and friends. The introduction of ploughs and harrows, all of which were made at the Waimate, constituted an era in the history of the country. Till these implements were brought into use, the people little knew what their land was capable of producing; as but very small portions of it were brought under cultivation, owing to the great difficulty of breaking it up with the hoe or the spade. Further, all the blacksmith-work, necessary in a farming-establishment, for carts, waggons, drays, ploughs, harrows, &c., was done here. Three wells, upwards of fifty feet deep, have been dug; a dam has been erected, and a race cut for the mill; all the bricks, boards, and timber, used in the Station, have been carted from the places where they were respectively made and sawn; all the stores, household-furniture, coals, &c., brought in from the Kerikeri, a distance of ten miles; and numerous other works have been completed, or are now in hand. The whole of this has been accomplished by about forty adults and forty youths, who never before were accustomed to labour, and amidst all the difficulties attendant on efforts made in an uncivilized land.
The Sabbath services are as follows: --The bell
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A SABBATH IN NEW ZEALAND.
rings at half-past eight in the morning, and Divine worship commences in the Chapel at nine. A native hymn is first sung; the Liturgy of the Church of England, which has been translated and printed in the language of the country, is then read; which is followed by another hymn, and an address delivered to the natives: the morning service then concludes with a Sermon in English to the Europeans; all of whom, belonging to the Station, are present; with the exception of one, who, in rotation, visits a distant native village. The Chapel at this time is crowded to excess, by an attentive and devout congregation; and I have seen hundreds pressing for admittance, for whom room could not be obtained. After service, each one has his particular duty to attend to; some to teach in the Schools, and others to visit the Villages, taking in a circuit of about five miles in each direction. The day concludes with the Evening Service of the Church of England, and another Sermon to the Natives in the Chapel. How many happy Sabbaths have I spent at the Waimate! and how has my inmost soul rejoiced, as I have seen the once-deluded people of this land -listening with delight to the sound of the "church-going bell, " and hastening with willing feet to the House of the Lord! There is something peculiarly pleasing in the sound of the bell amidst the wilds of New Zealand. Ours, at the Waimate, is erected at the back of the Chapel; and its mellow notes are echoed from the sacred grove above men-
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COMMENCEMENT OF THE STATION OF KAITAIA.
tioned. In the spring of the year, at the time of its first sounding in the morning, the mountain mists are just descending, and resting upon the valleys beneath; the stillness of nature has previously been broken in upon by the lowing of oxen, the bleating of sheep, the singing of birds, and the rustling of the rising wind; --then follows the murmur of approaching voices, as the worshippers are drawing toward the House of God; then the flag, on which is emblazoned the cross of Christ, with a dove bearing an olive-branch and the words "RONGO PAI", or THE GOSPEL, begins to unfold itself, and to display its colours to the freshening breeze: again, the notes of the bell strike upon the ear, and proclaim the hour of worship, the glad and holy hour of Christian worship in a heathen land--the hour when Jesus, by his ambassadors, proclaims the blessings of His Gospel, causes " the wilderness and the solitary place to be glad for them, and the desert to rejoice and blossom as the rose"; and so waters the garden which He has planted, and the seeds of grace which He has caused to be sown, that the earth brings forth, and buds, " giving seed to the sower, and bread to the eater"; and instead of the thorn, comes up the fir-tree; and instead of the briar, comes up the myrtle-tree; which is to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign, that shall not be cut off.
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COMMENCEMENT OF THE STATION OF KAITAIA.
There still remain two Stations of the Church Missionary Society in New Zealand, briefly to be noticed. They are, however, but just formed; and therefore little, at present, can be said concerning them.
The settlement of KAITAIA was first thought of, in consequence of the earnest solicitations of the chiefs and people of the tribes called the Rarawa, who reside in the vicinity of the North Cape; and who, from their local situation, were not a Station formed among them, would be quite out of the reach of Christian instruction, and also of Christian society and example. As the natives are numerous in the neighbourhood, and as their invitations for some of our body to dwell with them were frequent and urgent, a Deputation was appointed to visit that part of the island, and to report as to the fitness of forming a Missionary Station there. The Corresponding Committee in New South Wales was also written to, for its sanction to such a measure, should it be deemed at all desirable to pursue it; which sanction, after mature deliberation, was given. So very precarious, at this time, was the state of the Society's funds; and so strict were our instructions to observe economy, and not to undertake any new thing leading to any great additional expense, that, even after the sanction of the Committee of Correspondence had been obtained, and a favourable report had been made by the Deputation, the view of the additional ex-
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CHARACTER OF THE STATION OF KAITAIA.
penses, necessarily to be incurred in the formation of a new Station, prevented, for a few months, this desirable object from being put into execution. The Members were, however, nominated, and requested to make all possible preparations for moving, as soon as a spot should be selected for the site of the settlement. They commenced in good earnest; the natives were informed of the resolution we had passed, to settle some of our limited number amongst them, as teachers of the Word of God; and in January 1834, Mr. Matthews went there, to take up his permanent residence. After a short period, as soon as small rush-houses had been erected for their reception, he was joined by Mrs. Matthews, and Mr. and Mrs. Puckey; who, it is conceived, will be sufficient to carry on a School, and to make stated visits among the natives of the distant villages, on the eastern and western coasts.
The spot fixed upon for this settlement was a little rising ground in the extensive and beautiful valley of Kaitaia; the approach to it from the sea being up Rangaunu Bay, or creek, running in from Sandy Bay; Mount Campbell forming the northern head of the entrance, and the high land of Oruru Bay the southern. The site of the Station is about half-way between the two coasts; having the western coast to the north-west, and the eastern to the south-east: and here the island is so narrow, that you can hear distinctly the roaring of the surf on both beaches. A rapid, but not navigable, river, winds its devious course
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CHARACTER OF THE STATION OF KAITAIA.
through the valley, enters Kahikatea wood, passes through the centre of it, and joins the tide at its extremity. The sand-hills, on the western or weather coast, bound the view on the right of the settlement; in front are a few barren hills, much broken; and in the ravines grow some fine trees, of various shades of foliage. On the left, the valley winds up for some distance, and is terminated by beautiful rising grounds, which lead to the foot of hills that ascend one above the other, in the extreme distance, till lost in the clouds, with which they are almost always capped. At the back of the settlement, the view is sublime: the river pursues its way over the stones, murmuring as if impatient of the barrier they present to its more rapid progress; and its banks are covered with the richest verdure. An extensive mountain-view, covered to its summit with the finest forest wood, and broken, at its base, with what at a distance appears to be verdant fields, but which, in reality, is only fern of the strongest growth, is the boundary of this lovely scene.
In connexion with the settlement of Kaitaia, there are great numbers of natives who may regularly be visited, as soon as horse-roads are cut to their residences; which work many of them have already commenced. They appear anxious to enjoy frequent intercourse with the Missionaries for instruction; they have observed the Sabbath among themselves, and expressed their
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COMMENCEMENT OF THE STATION AT PURIRI.
determination to regard it for the future. The buildings here are, at present, all made of rushes, and consist of two small dwelling-houses for the European families; a number of cottages, for the natives at work in the Station; a building, which is both Chapel and School-house, without either door or window, twenty-four feet by eighteen; and a store, twenty feet by sixteen. These are the buildings at present in existence: the boys have, however, felled a large quantity of timber, dug their pits, and commenced sawing materials for more permanent buildings.
PURIRI, is another settlement of recent formation, and one to which much importance is attached, as opening the way more directly to the very populous districts, south of the Bay of Islands. Till after the late war-expedition of the great body of the Bay-of-Islanders to Tauranga, such was the unsettled state of the native mind, and the fearfulness in which they were living, that, with respect to the southward, every door of access seemed closed against us. And when those, who were considered as our friends, resolved upon an attack, and left the Bay for that purpose, with a determination not to return until they had had full revenge, all hope seemed to be utterly destroyed. But the ways of the Lord are not our ways; nor His thoughts our thoughts. He effects his own purposes, by means apparently the most unlikely to promote success.
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COMMENCEMENT OF THE STATION AT PURIRI.
This was eminently the case with respect to the southern districts. The very event which we dreaded, as casting an effectual barrier in our way, tended to the furtherance of our desired object. The efforts which were made by the Mission generally, to prevent hostilities, and to establish peace between the contending parties, showed the natives of the south, that, although we had hitherto been residing in the Bay of Islands, we had the present and eternal welfare of all parties equally at heart. Many temporary visits were paid to Haurake, Tauranga, and Rotorua; and those Missionaries who went there were always respectfully and cordially received. At length, when the Ngapuhies had returned home without effecting their deadly purposes, the way was clear before us, and the path of duty plainly marked out. Another Deputation was appointed to explore the Thames, with authority to fix upon a spot for a settlement; to engage the natives to build raupo, that is, rush-houses; and also to inform them, that, if the consent of our friends at home could be obtained, some of us would go and reside amongst them. Many spots presented themselves in the extensive range of the Thames: at length the Puriri was fixed upon, as being the most eligible, though it did not possess all the requisites for a very large establishment. The Haurake natives consist of four grand tribes-- the Nga-ti-maru; the Nga-ti-wanaunga; the Nga-ti-paua; and the Nga-ti-tamatera; all living in
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CHARACTER OF PURIRI.
fortifications on the banks of the river, either in the frith, or in the narrows. The Puriri is the most central spot, and is the only flat ground large enough to allow of cultivation sufficient for the support of the natives living at the Station. On account of the mud-banks, it can only be approached at nearly high-water mark: a little creek from the main river bounds it on two of its sides; the Thames itself on a third; and the other boundary is formed by the hills which run along the back of the settlement. The land appears excellent; the situation is, however, low, and may prove damp and unhealthy in the winter. There is a little spot of rising ground, upon which it is intended to build the permanent houses of the Missionaries; and thus, possibly, the evil of dampness may be obviated. The banks of the Thames are remarkably fertile; thousands of acres of the finest flax flourish there undisturbed; it only wants the use of machinery in dressing it, to render this article exceedingly valuable. The native process is so tedious, that many hands are required to perform but little work; and their own wants being nearly supplied, they are careless as to the manner in which they turn their flax out of hand; and so diminish its value, not only to themselves, but to the purchasers. The Puriri is everywhere surrounded with flax-swamps; and the banks of the fresh-water stream present but little else. Up the river, about ten miles, is a large native fortification on a little island in the
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EXPLORATORY TOURS.
middle of the stream; in which are always a considerable number of people: further up, will be found large cultivations of potatoes and corn; and, scattered here and there, native villages. Down the river, and in the frith, as far as Wakatiwai, the great body of people reside: and from the Puriri they can be visited only by boat; which, by taking advantage of the tide, can be easily effected. Three individuals, one a Clergyman, have been appointed to reside at the Puriri, to conduct the business of the Mission there. Two arrived there in January 1834, and two others joined them in the April following; one of which number, however, holds himself in readiness to proceed to any new Station which may be formed.
---
With respect to this object--the formation of other and more-distant Mission Stations'--every effort is making, and our most anxious thoughts are occupied in devising the best means of advantageously disposing of our present strength. In February 1834, the Rev. A. N. Brown, from Paihia, and Mr. Hamlin from the Waimate, were deputed, by the Local Committee, to go over-land to Waikato, the most populous district that we know of in the island. The natives there have, in various ways, made application to us for instructors, and have again and again expressed their willingness to do any thing in their power to make those persons secure and comfortable, who may go to live with them. The Deputation
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EXPLORATORY TOURS, WITH A VIEW OF NEW STATIONS.
had the same authority given to them as that which went down to the Thames; namely, to look out an eligible spot for a Station, to order a few rush-houses to be built, and to tell the natives, that if the sanction of our friends in New South Wales, or in England, could be obtained, we would send some person to teach them.*
After an absence of little more than three months, Messrs. Brown and Hamlin returned from their expedition, bringing with them a good account of the land, and many most pressing invitations from the natives, to establish Missionary settlements amongst them. After maturely considering their reports, and well weighing the claims of the populous parts of the country, which they had visited, it was resolved that a further revisal should be made in the disposition of our numbers; and that immediate application should be forwarded, for permission to form three new Stations. It seems that Messrs. Brown and Hamlin travelled over a large extent of country, and visited all the harbours on the western coast, as far southward as Kawia, or Albatross Point: they found that all the harbours, except Manukau, had dangerous bars running across them; and that the sea almost constantly breaks upon these bars, with a depth of water so scanty, as to render the harbours
*The extra expenses incurred in forming a new settlement consist of the following items: --the removal of families, and stores, and furniture, from one part of the island to another; the purchase of land; the erection of a Chapel; and the extra fences necessary.
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EXPLORATORY TOURS, WITH A VIEW OF NEW STATIONS.
unavailable for ships of any great burthen. They crossed over many large rivers, and rowed down others running through fine fertile lands: on the banks of these rivers they found great numbers of natives scattered, and that the reports made with respect to the population of the district known by the name of Waikato, which comprehends almost all the land from Kawia to the Thames, were in some measure correct; though the population was not so extensive as they had expected to find it. Here, as in other parts of the island, when the natives are riot living in fortifications for security, they were found to be residing in detached villages, at a few miles' distance one from the other; their cultivations being still more scattered, upon the principle everywhere adopted; namely, that, should they be attacked by a stripping party, only one portion of their food may be carried away, and they may still have something to depend upon, after their enemies have taken from them all that they appear to possess. The travellers returned by way of the Thames, and waited at the Mission Station there, till the arrival of the schooner 'Fortitude' with stores, when they embarked; and, after beating about for several days in sight of the harbour, landed in excellent health and spirits at Paihia. We are now become pretty well acquainted with the number of inhabitants, in all parts of the country, from the North Cape, as far south as Table Cape; and the time is not
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REMARKS ON NEW STATIONS.
far distant, when we may hope to extend our researches as far as Entry Island, in Cook's Straits; and shall thus know the whole of the northern island of New Zealand, in the length and in the breadth thereof. Every effort is being made to discover, and to bring into service, the resources of the country itself, that we may be enabled to form new and distant Stations, without incurring much additional expense. By this method, also, the natives themselves will be materially benefitted; as the work will be accomplished principally by their agency; and they will see that their native land affords them many necessary, and some luxurious articles, with which they are now supplying themselves from other nations, at a large outlay of labour or of property--labour, which might be much better applied, and property which might be turned to far better account.
