1814-1853 - The Missionary Register [Sections relating to New Zealand.] - 1825 - Australasia and Polynesia, p 98-104

       
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  1814-1853 - The Missionary Register [Sections relating to New Zealand.] - 1825 - Australasia and Polynesia, p 98-104
 
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Australasia and Polynesia.

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Australasia and Polynesia.

THE Commission of Inquiry into the state of the Colony of New South-Wales and its Dependencies has produced great practical benefit to the Colony, in the regulations which are gradually introduced by Government; and His Excellency Sir Thomas Brisbane is exercising the authority vested in him for the manifest benefit of benevolent plans in these seas. In the Survey for 1819, we referred to a Memorial of the Church Missionary Society on the outrages committed by the crews of British Ships on the natives, and to an Act of the 57th of the late King rendering Murder and Manslaughter punishable in any of the Colonies, under any Commission which had been or might be issued. By an Act, however, which received the Royal Assent on the 19th of July 1823, jurisdiction is vested in the Supreme Courts newly established for New South-Wales and its Dependencies, to punish and repress all criminal outrages by British Subjects against the unoffending natives and others: under the authority of this Act, His Excellency issued, on the 17th of May last, a Proclamation, in which he quotes the following Enactment of the Act:--

And be it further enacted, that the Supreme Courts in New South-Wales and Van Diemen's, respectively, shall and may inquire of, hear, and determine all Treasons, Piracies, Felonies, Robberies, Murders, Conspiracies, and other Offences of what Nature or Kind soever, committed, or that shall be committed, upon the Sea, or in any Haven, River, Creek, or Place where the Admiral or Admirals have Power, Authority, or Jurisdiction, or committed or that shall be committed in the Islands of New Zealand, Otaheite, or any other Island, Country, or Place, situate in the Indian or Pacific Oceans, and not subject to His Majesty, or to any European State or Power, by the Master or Crew of any British Ship or Vessel, or of any of them, or by any British Subject sailing in, or belonging to, or that shall have sailed in or belonged to and have quitted any British Ship or Vessel to live in any Part of the said Islands, Countries, or Places, or that shall be there living; and that all Persons, convicted of any of the Offences so to be inquired of, heard and determined in the said Courts respectively, shall be subject and liable to, and shall suffer all such and the same Pains, Penalties, and Forfeitures, as, by any Law or Laws now in Force, Persons, convicted of the same respectively, would be subject and liable to, in case the same were respectively inquired of, tried, heard, determined, and adjudged in England, any Law, Statute, or Usage to the contrary notwithstanding.

To enforce this salutary Law, the Governor adds--

And whereas it is expedient that the said Enactment be carried into Effect without Delay, and in a due Course of Justice--Now, therefore, His Majesty's Subjects are hereby

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called upon to enforce the Execution thereof, as well by Information to be given to Public Officers, Civil, Naval, or Military, as by any other lawful Means. It can never be too much considered by private Persons witnessing such Offences, that the Support which they owe to the Laws is, in the instance of this Statute, the more important, as the Remoteness of the Countries aforesaid, and the Absence of speedy legal Redress upon the Seas, too often facilitate the Escape of Offenders.

His Excellency continues to co-operate most kindly with Mr. Marsden and the other friends of the different Societies which have Missions in these seas. In reference to the measure just stated, he writes to the Church Missionary Society--

I have considered it incumbent on me to issue the accompanying Proclamation, in consequence of many diabolical acts of outrage committed by British Ships in these seas; and, more particularly, on a recent occasion, at one of the Friendly Islands, by the "Rambler" Whaler, when the Master paid the forfeit of his life, otherwise he must have been tried for his life here. I have directed that this Proclamation shall be read to all crews of Vessels leaving this port with the intention of going among the Islands; and that a copy should be left with the Master, as the New Charter of Justice enables us to try individuals for crimes against these unoffending Natives: and I shall not fail to act in conformity with the Proclamation in all cases of outrage.

In reporting the proceedings at the respective groupes of Islands in this Division of the Survey wherein Missions have been established, we have adopted a plan, on this occasion, the object of which is to give a more condensed and connected view of the labours carried on there, than that which is obtained from surveying each Island separately.

New South Wales

The establishment of an Archdeaconry in the Colony, and the appointment of the present Archdeacon, are subjects of congratulation to its friends: see p. 408 of our last Volume. Nor can we withhold the expression of our pleasure, that the Archdeacon well knows and highly appreciates the character of the Senior Chaplain, so beautifully sketched in the Cambridge Prize-Poem, quoted at p. 199 of the same Volume.

At p. 570 we also noticed the formation of a Company, likely to encourage to a great extent the Agriculture of the Colony, by drawing toward that object a portion of the redundant capital of the Mother Country.

The resources, indeed, of this Colony are yet but imperfectly known. A race of Aborigines, for instance, has been lately discovered, near Morton Bay, a few degrees north of Port Jackson, far superior in form and muscular strength, and much more advanced in civilization, than any met with in the country bordering on the present Colonial Establishments.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

Native Institution.

In the last Survey, Mr. and Mrs. Clarke were left in charge of the Institution formed for the Aborigines of the Colony: on this Institution the Committee of the Society give the following statement:--

Mr. Marsden, with the Rev. Richard Hill, and the other friends of the Society in the Colony, have felt much interest in the Aborigines of New South-Wales, and have been desirous that the Society should render every practicable aid in any measures which might be undertaken for their benefit, in a conversation with Governor Macquarie, previous to the formation of the Native Institution in 1814, Mr. Marsden stated that he was authorised by the Society to assist any plan that was likely to benefit the Aborigines; but no demand was made on the Society. A School was opened at Parramatta; but the situation being found inconvenient, the Committee who conducted it recommended, in the close of 1821, that it should be removed; and that on the spot where it has since been fixed, workshops, schools, and a Place of Worship should be erected: with the reservation of 500 acres of land for the use of the Institution, in the allotment of farms to the Natives. The Committee further recommended, that the assistance offered by Mr. Marsden from the Society, which offer had been renewed by him, should be accepted, In March 1822, a Resolution was passed by that Committee, requesting the Society to send out a Master and Mistress for the instruction of the Aborigines, and the superintendence of the Native Settlement.

The provisional appointment of Mr. and Mrs. Clarke to this charge, and the removal of the Institution to its new station, were reported in the last Survey. Here they laboured with faithfulness and diligence, during the whole of the year 1823; an interval of a few months excepted, when Mr. Clarke was deprived of the assistance of his Wife, a severe and dangerous illness having obliged her to return for that period to Parramatta. Besides the care of the Native Children, Mr. Clarke had the charge of Public Instruction, twice on Sundays, among the Europeans; and had often 150 miles to ride on horseback during the week. The Rev. Henry Williams, while waiting to proceed to New Zealand, frequently visited the Institution, and thus speaks of it:--

Mr. and Mrs. Clarke are much delighted with their work; though they are quite in the bush, with but a few sheds for the women and children. He has had much to struggle with: but, under his indefatigable care, the children have been advancing in knowledge; and the dwelling for them, which is a fine substantial building, 70 feet in length, will soon be finished. I think it may be said, that had not Mr. Clarke been on the spot to take this duty, it had long since fallen to the ground; or rather, never would have been raised above it. Great order and vigilance prevail in the establishment.

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It had been intended that Mr. and Mrs. Clarke should accompany Mr. and Mrs. Williams to New Zealand; but Mrs. Clarke's illness having occasioned unavoidable delay, and in the meanwhile Mr. Clarke's continued care of the Native Institution becoming, for the presents indispensable, it was at length determined that they should not proceed to New Zealand, more particularly until the state of Shunghee's mind had been ascertained, that Chief having been led to suppose that Mr. Clarke would be at his service to make and repair his guns. Mr. Marsden embarked at Port Jackson, on his Fourth Visit to New Zealand, on the 23d of July 1823, and returned in the beginning of December. The altered circumstances of that Mission induced him, on his return, to take measures for Mr. and Mrs. Clarke's proceeding to their original destination. It was with reluctance that they were withdrawn from the Native Institution; but the state of the New-Zealand Mission seemed plainly to call for their assistance there. The Committee will gladly render, in future, every practicable degree of aid to the Native Institution, and the Aborigines of New South-Wales.

Of the state and progress of the Institution, Mr. Clarke wrote, in October--

The Natives are, I believe, the poorest objects on the habitable globe, I have seen the miserable Africans first come from the holds of Slave Ships; but they do not equal, in wretchedness and misery, the New Hollanders. I have in some measure been the means of removing from the minds of a few of them the prejudice excited by the Heathenish conduct of those around them calling themselves Christians, and have the pleasure of seeing ten or twelve regularly attend the Service here on the Lord's Day.

We have now a commodious Mission House, with room to accommodate at least 60 Native Children. I had 12 under my care, but one promising little Boy died. I have as good hopes respecting them, as I should have of as many European Children.

New-Zealand Seminary.

Mr. Marsden was confirmed, by what he observed in his last visit to New Zealand, in his views of the importance of a Seminary in New South-Wales for the instruction of Young Natives of New Zealand; and determined, therefore, on his return, to renew the attempt to form such an Establishment; and with the further view of providing education therein for the European Children of the Mission, now fast increasing in number. He writes on this subject, at the end of February, with his usual disinterestedness of spirit--

The Governor was kind enough, when I spoke to his Excellency on the subject of this Seminary, to offer me an acre of ground near my own house to build upon: I thought that might answer; but, on further consideration, serious objections appeared, from the badness of the land and the want of water.

I have fixed on some good land, which I purchased a few years ago, where there is plenty of water with other local advantages, within sight of my own house, and at a little distance from the town. When the Seminary is built, if it is found to answer, I will make over to the Society as many acres as may be deemed necessary: the buildings will be of free-stone; not large and expensive, but sufficient to make a trial with. If the Seminary should not answer, the buildings will be valuable, and the land will always be worth what it is now; and the Society need not pay for it until the Institution is perfectly established. I shall consider myself responsible for all expenses till approved by the Committee: when the buildings are completed, and there is a fair prospect of success, I will then leave it at their option to purchase them or not.

I purpose to have the New-Zealand Youths taught shoemaking, tailoring, weaving, flax-dressing, and spinning, with gardening and farming, if the Chiefs' Sons are educated with the Children of the Missionaries, they will become attached one to another, and the work of the Mission will be much promoted thereby. I have six New Zealanders with me now, all young men of Chiefs' Families: they rejoice, to see the foundation of our Institution laid.

Mr. Richard Davis, with his family and Mr. Charles Davis, stated in the last Survey to have sailed on the 6th of December 1823, arrived at Port Jackson on the 7th of May last, in the Brothers, Captain Mottley. The Captain paid them the kindest attention, not only during the voyage, but added to their comfort, after their arrival, in every way in his power. Mr. Davis thus expresses his feelings on landing among the New Zealanders who were at Parramatta:--

As soon as the news reached Mr. Marsden's that we were landed at the wharf, the New Zealanders came running down to me, as I was staying by the wharf to take care of the things, to welcome me to Parramatta on my way to New Zealand. This was a season that I shall never forget: it was a still quiet evening, and night had drawn her curtain over this part of the globe; they surrounded me and received me in the most cordial manner: their broken English was music to my ears: I never shall forget the feelings of my mind: I felt that I belonged to those dear people, and was thankful for the privilege. It was quiet without; and I trust I may say, it was peace within.

We have, at times, 7 or 8 of them with us. They are affectionate, kind, and candid. I have often heard them spoken of as a treacherous and deceitful people, which reports I believe to be ill-founded, as I see no traces of such dispositions about them; but quite the contrary: for if they are displeased with Mr. Marsden, whom they esteem as their Father, they, immediately tell him of it, without the least hesitation.

He adds, a little afterward--

They are a noble race of people, and capable of learning any thing. Some of them can read pretty well. Our children are very fond of some of them: the little ones kiss their tattooed faces, at which they seem very well pleased. They will sit for hours to be taught to read by our children.

At a subsequent period, he says--

I have, had some of the New Zealanders under my instruction, now for some time; and am happy to tell you, that I am much pleased with their manner of behaviour and dispositions; they learn to read and write very fast, and are very attentive to and thankful for any instruction given them. They are a very intelligent people; and seem to be capable of learning, in a short time, any of the useful and necessary arts of life: we have now here with us Nine fine Young Men and a Boy. I teach them to read, in the morning, till ten o'clock;

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then take them out to work till two, when they go to their dinner, and afterward I teach them to write.

Could but the friends of the Society see us surrounded by those beloved Young Men, all kneeling at our family altar, they could not but rejoice to view so fair a prospect of their soon becoming spiritual branches of Christ the Living Vine.

On his embarkation for New Zealand, on the 1st of August, he adds--

We have now been with the New Zealanders long enough to know somewhat of their temper and disposition. I have been with them, for some time, making a garden at the Parramatta Seminary: I have for many years had many workmen under me, but I never had better workmen than the New Zealanders. nor a more willing people to work: for a good word and kind treatment, they will do any thing for us. They are also very willing to learn to read and write: of this I beg leave to give you a proof.

For a fortnight past, Mr. Marsden, being anxious to have some part of the new garden ready for planting a spring crop, we did not allow them time to learn writing. In a few days, one of the lads became very pensive; so much so, that we thought he was ill. Feeling a little uneasy about him, one morning I pressed him very closely to tell me what was the matter with him: at last, he told me that he wanted time to learn to write. I then told him that he should stay at home the next day and learn writing. The next morning I prepared him some copies, and he sat with Mrs. Davis the whole day practising writing, and was cheerful.

Mr. Davis adds an instance of the good effect of the religious instructions which these Young Men had received:--

About a month since four New Zealanders came to Parramatta, from a ship now lying in this port. The second day after they were with us, they were heard by their countrymen to use some bad language, for which they began to rebuke and reprove them very sharply, telling them that if they continued to use such wicked language they would be burnt with fire. The strangers felt the reproof; and immediately withdrew, hanging down their heads.

Mr. Marsden urges that a Clergyman should be sent to take charge of this Seminary. He might occasionally visit New Zealand: and, at other times, by taking Mr. Marsden's duty, might enable him to renew his own visits to the Mission; and might act, in case of necessity, as the Society's Agent and Representative.

WESLEY AN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

W. Walker, Missionary to the Blacks.

No Report has been published, further than what appears in the last Survey.

New Zealand.

Two large Islands, east of New Holland--the northern, about 600 miles by an average breadth of 150; and the southern nearly as large.

CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

RANGHEEHOO, on the north side of the Bay of Islands: 1815: W. Hall, John King, Assistants--KIDDEEKIDDEE, on a River which falls into the Bay of Islands, on the west side: 1819: James Kemp, James Shepherd, Assistants--PYHEA, on the south side of the Bay of Islands, about 16 miles to the south-eastward of Kiddeekiddee, and about 10 miles across the Bay southward from Rangheehoo: 1823: H. Williams, Missionary; William Fairburn, Assistant.

Mr. Marsden arrived, on his Fourth Visit, on the 3d of August 1823, in the Brampton; and re-embarked on board the same vessel on his return: the Brampton having been wrecked in the Bay, he was detained till the 14th of November, when he sailed for Port Jackson on board the Dragon. At pp. 510--518 of our last Volume, an abstract was given of his proceedings during this visit.

The Rev. H. Williams and Mr. Fairburn (a carpenter, who had before been at New Zealand in the Society's service) with their families, accompanied Mr. Marsden to New Zealand. The Rev. John Butler and his family, with Mr. and Mrs. Cowell, returned with Mr. Marsden to New South-Wales: they are no longer in connection with the Society: Mr. Butler's Son and Mr. Cowell remain in the Colony: Mr. Butler and the rest of his family have returned to England. Mr. Richard Davis, with his family, except his two elder daughters whom Mr. Marsden detained in the Colony till their father should be settled, sailed from Port Jackson, with Mr. Charles Davis, on the 1st of August; and arrived at Pyhea, after a rough passage, on the 13th: they were to settle where agricultural operations could be undertaken to the best advantage. Mr. and Mrs. Clarke would probably reside at Kiddeekiddee.

Rangheehoo--Mr. Hall and Mr. King, alternately, read the Morning Service and a printed Sermon: in the afternoon, Mr. Hall reads the Service, and concludes with a Native Service: the Services are attended by the Mission Families, the School Children, Native Servants, and such of the other Natives as choose: the Natives kneel, join in prayer, sing, and repeat the Creed and Ten Commandments: in the Afternoon of Sunday, Mr. King catechizes the Natives at the village. A School has been recently opened, under the care of Mr. King: it consists of from 10 to 15 Boys, from 6 to 9 years of age: they are all fed and clothed by the Society; and attend Divine Service, all clean, twice on Sundays: they can answer a number of important questions, contained in a Catechism formed for their use. Mr. King instructs, also, the children of Kaishiki, a village about four miles distant. Mr. Leigh, one of the Wesleyan Missionaries, says of this Settlement--

It is near a large and populous native town called Tapoonah. Within seven miles, there are eight or ten villages, all of which a Missionary may visit by a pleasant walk; and, in every village, a number of children and adults may be daily collected together for instruction. This place I consider to be a grand Station, for active and extensive Missionary Operations. The Natives about this Settlement have made con-

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siderable advances in civilization. It is four years since I first saw this place; in which period a change for the better is to me quite visible. I consider Rangheehoo a very suitable place for a School, for civil and religious instruction.

Kiddeekiddee--Divine Service is held twice on Sundays in English; and the Natives are, besides, assembled twice for Native Service: they repeat some prayers, and are questioned and instructed, with singing and prayer: their attention, at times, is encouraging; but, at others, enmity and obstinate adherence to their own notions are manifested. Mr. Shepherd has begun to make excursions among the natives, for the purpose of instructing them in the knowledge of the Gospel: he has travelled one week in a month, from Tuesday to Saturday, from 50 to 60 miles: he finds the people respectful, and desirous to hear: they say-- "Come often: if you come often, we shall learn; but, by your staying so long away, we forget what you before said." Mr. Shepherd has made much progress in the language: he has begun a translation of the Gospels, is preparing a Vocabulary, and has composed several Hymns, with a Tract on the Creation, Fall, and Redemption of Man. Mr. Marsden was very urgent with the Missionaries, in his last visit, to enter on the business of Education: a School was opened, accordingly, on the 1st of December, with 10 children, to be clothed and fed at the Society's expense: some of the parents, however, soon grew discontented at the separation of their children from them, and took them home again: at the last dates, six remained; these were children of principal Chiefs: the Missionaries regret, that their care of other things should have led them so long to defer vigorous and persevering attempts among the Young. Mr. Butler paid great attention at this Settlement to cultivation: much wheat has been raised, and many of the people instructed in farming: the heavy labour of the hand-mill, however, disinclining the natives to the growth of corn, a water-mill, for which Mr. Marsden fixed on an excellent site was erecting: he considers this likely to prove of the greatest benefit to the Island, in encouraging the growth of grain: there are numerous falls of water, where mills may be erected with the utmost convenience and safety. After Mr. Marsden left, a scheme was formed among the natives to put Mr. Kendall into possession of the house which had been occupied by Mr. Butler, and in which Mr. Shepherd had succeeded him: the Missionaries behaved with decision on this trying occasion; and gave the natives to understand, that, if the Society's property were wrested from them by violence, such a step would probably lead to the entire withdrawing of the Mission: this seems to have had the desired effect on their minds. At the last dates, a house was building for Shunghee, with which he was much pleased: he was become very friendly to them all; and stood up in their defence, when any other natives became troublesome, Of this Settlement, Mr. Leigh states--

Kiddeekiddee resembles a neat little country village, with a good School House lately erected in the centre. When standing on an eminence near, we may see cattle, sheep, goals, pigs, and horses-- houses--fields covered with wheat, oats, and barley --and gardens, richly filled with all kinds of vegetables, fruit-trees, and a variety of useful productions. In the yards may be teen geese, ducks, and turkeys; and, in the evening, cows returning to the Mission Families, by which they are supplied with good milk and butter. Indeed the Settlement altogether forms a most pleasing object, and especially in a Heathen Land.

On the 10th of November, a few days before he sailed, Mr. Marsden adds--

I took leave of Kiddeekiddee. this morning. I have no doubt but a Church will be raised there to the honour of the God of Israel. In time, this will become a great Settlement. It possesses many local advantages; and is one of the best Missionary Stations that I have met with for a principal Settlement. Had I to select again, I should fix upon this spot.

Pyhea -- The circumstances attending the establishment of this Station were reported at pp. 407-412 of our last Volume. Divine Service is held, morning and evening, on Sundays: in the afternoon, Mr. Williams and Mr. Fairburn visit the neighbouring villages; and, at other times, as often as they have opportunity: on these occasions, Mr. Fairburn's knowledge of the language, from his previous residence in the Mission, is a great advantage: in these labours, they are sometimes opposed, but generally receive much attention: the natives connected with the Settlement repeat prayers, and sing very well. A School was about to be opened: several Chiefs wished to send their sons; and some girls, daughters of Chiefs, were anxious to be taught. Mrs. Williams, with her own family of little children, and troubled by the want of steadiness and cleanliness in the native girls who assist her, is still active and happy. A small vessel is building, for the purposes of the Mission. On the arrival of Mr. Davis and his company, a powerful Chief from Wytanghee, which is near Pyhea, came with something like a demand that they should settle with him; so sensible are they of the advantage of having Missionaries among them. Of this Settlement it is said in the last Report--

The situation is beautiful, and the land good. The country is populous, and there are number of fine children. The inhabitants are orderly and well-behaved. The Chief has been at Parramatta, and is well known to Mr. Marsden. His Son afterward died at Mr. Marsden's house; which has much attached him and his Wife to Mr. Marsden's fa-

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mily. Within a few miles of this Station, there are ten or twelve large villages, the inhabitants of which are not only willing that Missionaries should visit them, but most gladly and thankfully receive their visits.

It is stated in the last Report, in reference to this Mission:--

The trials of this Mission, it is well known, have been great -- second only, indeed, to those of the West-Africa Mission, though from a very different cause. The Committee are happy, however, to state that there are no grounds of serious discouragement. The Mission has received accessions of real strength, in truly pious and devoted Labourers. After all its trials, it gives, at this moment, better promise of an ultimate reward to patient labour, than at any time since its establishment.

Sir Thomas Brisbane has continued to manifest much interest in this Mission: the estimate which His Excellency has formed of its prospects may be seen in the following extract of a Letter to the Secretary, dated Jan. 10, 1824:--

The circumstances attending the loss of the Cossack and the Brampton afford just ground of triumph to the Society, in reflecting that its labours have been so well rewarded. Its intercourse with these savages has so far operated on their furious habits, that the crews of these vessels, in place of being inhumanly butchered and devoured, were, in both instances, treated with commiseration and hospitality. It would be exacting more from them than from their more civilized neighbours, the Europeans, to expect that their spiritual improvement would be the first to develope itself. I may be permitted, I trust, to congratulate the Society on Mr. Marsden's favourable report of his late visit; and to add, that it will at all times afford me the sincerest gratification to promote the views of the Society.

His Excellency was pleased to add, in another communication in May--

I have already expressed my favourable opinion in regard to the progress of the Mission in New Zealand; and I am happy to say, that length of time tends only to fortify me more strongly in this sentiment.

Mr. Butler states, that, at the time of his leaving Kiddeekiddee, there were about fifty Natives, chiefly such as had been employed by the Settlers, who could read a little, sing hymns, and repeat prayers in their own tongue.

The testimony of Mr. Leigh, himself an experienced Missionary, who has been several times in New Zealand, and is well acquainted with the state of the Mission, will be heard with great satisfaction. He writes--

The situations of all the Settlements in the Bay of Islands are such as do great credit to the friend who first fixed on them; and prove, at once, that he could look forward, and secure the safety and prosperity, which would, by the blessing of God, attend the establishment.

The Servants of the Church Missionary Society have had many trials in the prosecution of their work; but they have not laboured in vain. The Society has had discouragements; but the cloud has, in a measure, disappeared, and now greater light begins to dawn. A number of Native Youths in these Stations can repeat the Creed, Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and several Hymns, in their own tongue; and can unite in singing the praises of the Lord. Any person visiting these Stations may soon perceive that civilization has made considerable advance and that they are Stations which hold out great prospects of usefulness to the Christian Missionary.

It may be truly said, with respect to the Bay of Islands in general, that the fields are white already to the harvest. Double the number of Missionaries which your Society has hitherto sent to New Zealand, may be fully and usefully employed in the Bay alone; and I have no doubt but that the Natives will, by and bye, be brought to a knowledge of the Living and True God.

WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

1823.

WHANGAROOA: the Settlement is in a valley, named by the Missionaries Wesleydale, 7 or 8 miles up a river which falls into the Bay of Whangarooa north-west of the Bay of Islands; is about 25 miles distant from Rangehoo by land, and about 50 by sea: W. White, Nathaniel Taylor, John Hobbs, Missionaries.

Mr, Leigh and Mr. White, in pursuance of their intention, mentioned in the last Survey, of settling at Wangaree, about 70 miles south-east of the Bay of Islands, sailed thither for that purpose; but, finding that the inhabitants generally had either fallen in the late wars or had fled into the woods for safety, they returned, and proceeded toward the North Cape in search of a proper place for a Settlement. Here they met with difficulties; and, at length, put into Whangarooa, and there took up their station. Mr. Shepherd being well advanced in the language, Mr. Marsden had desired him to accompany the Missionaries when they fixed on their place of residence, that he might fully explain their object to the natives. Mr. Marsden arrived in the Brampton before all the arrangements were made, with Mr. and Mrs. Turner and Mr. Hobbs: the two Missionaries proceeded immediately, overland, from the Bay of Islands to Whangarooa; and Mr. Leigh being ill and requesting Mr. Marsden's assistance in purchasing from the Chief George of Whangarooa the requisite land, Mr. Marsden proceeded thither by sea, in the middle of August, about a fortnight after his arrival at New Zealand: having made the necessary arrangements with the Chief, he returned in a few days, accompanied by Mr. Shepherd and Mr. and Mrs. Leigh. Mr. Leigh's state of health obliging him to give up all present hopes of labouring in New Zealand, he and his Wife returned with Mr. Marsden to Port Jackson in the Dragon. Mr. White, also, (and not Mr. Turner, as stated by mistake at p. 327 of our last Volume) accompanied them, on some business of the Mission: at the last dates, Mr. and Mrs. Turner and Mr. Hobbs were expecting his speedy return.

Mr. Marsden' observes that the Missionaries are here under very trying cir-

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cumstances. The natives have not been accustomed, as those in the Bay of Islands have been, to the residence of Europeans among them; and have, therefore, acquired but little restraint over their natural restlessness and turbulence. The Labourers at Pyhea feel the inconveniences of this disposition, and those at Whangarooa still more. Mr. Marsden, on leaving Whangarooa, says of the Missionaries--

I hope they will conduct themselves with patience and perseverance. Young Men are tempted to be soon angry; and if they fall into this error, they will often be very uneasy. They will have much to bear with among these Heathens, until they become acquainted with their customs and manners. I feel much for Mrs. Turner, who will now be left without a female companion, except a young girl whom she brought from Port Jackson.

The Journal of the Missionaries verifies Mr. Marsden's forebodings; but the Committee remark, in their Report--

Numerous difficulties and obstacles still present themselves in this Island, incidental to the early stages of Missions commenced among a barbarous and unsettled people; and thus the enterprise must be as much a work of faith as it is a labour of love. The Committee have full confidence in the meliorating and subduing charities of the Gospel; and look forward, with hope and without impatience, to the ultimate triumphs of the Gospel in New Zealand over a race the most untractable and ferocious.

Though the Missionaries have suffered much alarm from the turbulence of some of the natives, they are generally well received in their visits to the neighbouring villages, and are sometimes listened to with a degree of attention which encourages them; and the very natives who, in their anger, will insult them, will sometimes, of themselves, soon seek reconciliation. The people had promised to prepare School Rooms in several villages: in the mean while, the Missionaries collected, as they could, some children out-of-doors, and taught them Letters, Catechisms, Prayers, and Hymns; but found them wild and untowardly, though of quick capacity.

More land had been purchased from the Chief George, in order to improve the Settlement. The Chief Tipara and his tribe, who inhabit the heads and shores of the Bay, and are a fine people with many children, are very solicitous that a Station should be formed among them.


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