Having concluded our repast, we sang a Hymn with the boys, and offered up our morning sacrifice to the Lord of heaven and earth. I could not but reflect, while preparation was making for our proceeding, that of the multitudes who have passed over the very stones on which we were sitting, in their expedition to and from the war, none had been found to give praise to the Lord: that this was, in all probability, the first time since the Creation that any one had approached the Throne of Grace in this part of the world. It was past eight o'clock before we loosed from this quiet spot, to engage a fine breeze and foaming sea which was running at this time, for the wind was very strong. Our run was very considerable to day. Feb. 20, 1833-Rain more or less through the night: my tent perfectly tight, by the assistance of some painted cloths. At daylight the weather cleared off a little; but as the wind was not fair, we kept our place. Boys catching eels, and shell-fish, and digging fern-root. In the evening, the weather more favourable: prepared for a move in the morning. Feb. 21-Quiet night. At daylight, cloudy, but little wind from S. S. W. Rawiri, Hamu, and her dog, joined us in the boats weather doubtful: a pleasant sail to Wangamata. Feb. 22-Dreary stormy night; but our tents did not give way, nor did the rain penetrate. Our health is in no wise affected by the damp around. The sea roars with awful majesty at the entrance of the river, being one perpetual foam. Our situation begins to be tedious and wearisome. It is now more than a fortnight since we left our houses, and we have seen no one, except the Rarawa at one interval, and we cannot proceed until the sea is smooth; but it is the Lord's work in which we are engaged: it is His honour we seek, and we would desire to commit ourselves to Him. Feb. 23-Wind died away in the night: every appearance of fine weather, in which the birds seem to rejoice: their melody fills the surrounding woods and bushes. Feb. 24: Sunday-Clear morning: sea smooth no signs of life; no sound of the Church-going bell. How melancholy is the reflexion, that once these hills and valleys were peopled, though with savage hordes; but, of late years, they have been hunted as the deer, until few remain, and they are driven into the interior! After breakfast, assembled our little Congregation under the shade of the wide-spreading Pohutukaua, and held Service. It was sweet and refreshing, to know that we, with all the Israel of God, were engaged in the Service, and enjoying the presence, of our common Father and Friend; though absent in body, still present in spirit with them: these are the privileges of the Christian. Where two or three, with sweet accord, To them unveil my smiling face, The Feb. 25 A quiet night and clear morning; but the surf was roaring at the entrance. Took breakfast, struck our encampment, and pulled out to take a view of the sea, which we found very considerable, with a heavy swell. breeze springing up from the eastward, we were obliged to return to our old quarters, and were most severely beset with namus: they were ravenous, and found their way through every covering: we were obliged to bind up our hands and feet on account of them, but could not effectually keep clear of them. At sunset, a clear sky. The boys returned from foraging: they brought a good quantity of fern-root. Feb. 26-Intended to move at break of day; but the boys were apprehensive of a southerly wind: delayed till nine o'clock, when we pulled out in quest of a wind. A breeze sprung up at last, which shifted, in the course of the day, to the north. Passed on, at a pleasant rate, to Karewa. Entered Tauranga by nine o'clock landed under the great hill Maunga Nui." Ran to-day about forty miles. 66 Arrival at Maketu, a principal Station of the Warring Tribes. Feb. 27-At break of day, all were in the boats and on the move. As we passed out of the harbour, several guns were discharged from Maungatapu on gaining sight of us. We passed along, with a gentle breeze, about three-quarters of a mile from the beach. Several of the Nateawa on shore, gazing at us, not knowing what to make of us, whether we were friends or foes. One canoe, fishing off the Pa, pulled out of our way: we waved to them, but they would not trust us. When abreast of the Tamu, a great gun was fired. The fence appeared of a temporary nature, and the canoes lay carelessly about. As we drew near to Maketu, we observed the flag hoisted half-mast high; and soon learnt that ten persons had yesterday been killed by the opposite party, on the road to Rotorua. We were received very graciously by all on shore: every one turned out to meet us, and give us the news of the day. Had some interesting conversation with the leading persons; and, from what I can discern, the Ngapuhi would be glad to return. It was, however, proposed to remain quiet until the Natives should be assembled, and then to have a general inquiry as to what should be done, whether there should be peace or war. The people appear far better disposed than I could have expected, and I sincerely hope that something may be accomplished. There is much pleading for Missionaries to be dispersed among them, to preserve peace. Num Feb. 28, 1833 At day-light, our boys, and a number of the Natives of the place, repeated the Catechisms, to the apparent admiration of all. A fine Kahawai sent for our breakfast. bers of spectators during the day. Long conversation with several Chiefs respecting war: general expression of hope for peace, and desire for some of us to come among them: many insisted upon Mr. Chapman's remaining. Long dispute respecting the superstitions of the New Zealanders: much wonder expressed at what I said to them respecting the state of our forefathers, and the similarity between the two people. The doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body also gained their serious attention, though they observed that it was a hard saying; who could believe it? Peta's misconduct has caused much evil. This man and his wife were baptized about four years since, and accompanied Mr. Chapman and myself in our first visit to this neighbourhood we had pleasing expectations of him then, though not so much so of his wife; but he appears altogether to have fallen away: yet often have I rejoiced to hear him engage in prayer and address his countrymen, as he far exceeded in ability our old friend Rawiri, who is more slow and somewhat heavy, yet very sincere. Peta endured for a while, and the Natives paid much respect to him. In the afternoon we walked through the Pa, a dirty filthy place: no order or plan in RECORD, August, 1934.] the arrangement of the works; every thing in a careless state. Continued Stay with the Natives-Horrors of their Modes of Warfare-Various Accounts of Religious Intercourse held with them by the Missionaries. March 1 Fine morning boys out to get fern-root. Titore came to make a call. Intelligence of several persons having been killed to the southward by a distant people. A party, just arrived from the interior, came, and sat for two hours in close conversation. In the afternoon, a fresh party came, who found me reading: they desired me to put down my book, and talk with them; which request I, of course, immediately complied with. They observed, that I spoke of many strange things; for my subject was Jesus and the Resurrection: they were a good deal interested, and expressed a desire that we should remain with them. March 2 About forty persons set off this morning from the Pa toward the Tumu, the Pa of Nateawa, to give challenge, in consequence of the individuals killed on Tuesday. A few shots were exchanged, but with every feeling of respect. But very few persons came near us this morning, owing to the scolding of Korokai last evening. In the evening they gathered round, and we had much conversation with them. A good number at Evening Prayer. In the evening, the old Chief, Korokai,was sitting with a few others, talking with us. I considered it a good opportunity to give him a blanket, for his kindness to us on our former visit. I brought one out, and spread it over him. The poor old man quite jumped with astonishment, and was much delighted. Truly he could appreciate the value of a present of this nature: yet our words upon spiritual things appear little better than idle tales; he listens with indifference to the intelligence of peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and of eternal rest to believers beyond the grave. Orders given this morning to prepare for the morrow, as it was the Ra tapu," when no one was to move, either to fish or for any other purpose. March 3: Sunday- Fine morning. The Natives came out about nine o'clock, and assembled around us to attend Service: there was a goodly company. We were glad to see Titore and others of his party, among the number; as it was more than we had expected, from the strong opposition he had shown at home: 2 A their attention was good. When all was concluded, I joined Titore, who is the principal person here, and had a long conversation with him. He observed that my speech or sermon was good. Poor fellow! it is a great thing for him to express any mark of approbation on such subjects. Before he left us, he mentioned that he expected to go in the morning to meet the Rarawa, and that we must not go over to the enemy in his absence-that we must be courageous, and sit quietly for a few days, until all were assembled. One old Chief, covered with wounds, introduced himself: he appeared a restless being, and spoke of nothing but obtaining satisfaction for persons who have been killed. It does not enter into their theory to make peace, unless they receive an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth; and hence their perpetual wars. We should have been glad to have gone to-day to the Tumu, the Pa of Nateawa, but must obey orders. In the afternoon, a messenger from Rotorua told us, among other news, that Te Rauparoha, the Chief at Entry Island, had crossed over to the southern island, carrying destruction with him. How dreadful this continual bloodshed! When shall the word of the Lord be fulfilled, They shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more? What a field of labour lies open before us! and who shall see the end thereof? I have been much encouraged by the observations of this people respecting Missionaries, and their desire for their appearance here, to check the evil which abounds. March 4, 1833-While we were at dinner, my boy Patu was announced on the opposite side of the river. He was immediately surrounded by these Natives, who appeared disposed to treat him roughly, as coming from, and belonging to, the enemy, though he had lived for four years past with me. The poor boy was relieved of his blanket before we could send our lads to his assistance: it was recovered after some difficulty. The boy came from the Karere," which was at anchor at Waikorire. No particular news, except that Kiaroa sent his kind regards, and wished to see us. March 5-Fine night. The "Tacapo," the vessel in possession of the Ngapuhi, sailed this morning in quest of the Rarawa. Several arrivals through the day from Rotorua and Wakatane. A terrible howling, throughout the day,was set up by the women, who are always the chief performers in these ceremonies. These are frequently accompanied by the cutting of their faces and arms, to indicate their great affection for their newly-arrived friends, while the men are engaged in relating the transactions of the day, or the scenes through which they have passed since last they met: their account is delivered with great spirit and animation. The noise of the women in the Pa every evening is quite intolerable: they require much improving, even in a temporal point of view their shrieks and yells are truly dismal. Appearance of a gale from the east. March 6 Much rain through the night, but the wind died away. Several strangers through the day. Pango arrived from Rotorua: he came and paid his respects. He appeared quite in another character from that in which he was when among the Ngapuhi: then he was in fear for his head, though a visitor among them; but here he felt himself at home. He jumped about like a kitten, and spoke of our remaining with him. In the evening we had a good assemblage. March 7 Wind N. E. Appearance of a gale. News that four hundred men had departed, to lay wait for the Nateawa. We inquired into the truth of this account; which being confirmed, we sent for some of the leading men, to whom we observed that we must leave them as soon as the weather should clear up, as they appeared determined to follow their own inclinations. This led to much conversation, and a visit from all the officers of state. There was also a second council in the Pa, to which I was introduced. Some urged the necessity of having one or two days good fighting, as a kind of finishing stroke, and settlement of all differences. Can there be any reasoning more Satanic? I told them, that if there should be any fighting on the part of these people while we were among them, we would leave them immediately. They promised there should be none; and strongly urged the necessity of our remaining until Titore should return. Poor creatures! they are as kind as they can be, but in a sad state of ignorance and superstition; living in a careless filthy state, scarcely out of gunshot of their enemy. March 8-At day-light we shifted to the westward appearance of fine weather. A party of the Nateawa showed themselves, to invite a skirmish, which invitation was soon accepted. They crossed the river, but each observed a respectful distance. They fired a few shots, and then retired to their respective places. While observing their movements, I learned, that when Warepapa, a Chief of Ngapuhi, was killed in a late engagement here, Titore's wife took a rope, gave it to his widow, and told her to go and hang herself; which she accordingly did, retiring unattended to a Wahitapu among some bushes. She was found a few hours afterward, quite dead. These circumstances were not uncommon some years since, but lately of rare occurrence; and would not, in all probability, have taken place in this instance, but as a display of courage before the Natives of Rotorua. It was a practice formerly to kill some slaves on the death of a Chief; but this has gradually ceased in the neighbourhood of the Bay of Islands and E'O'keánga. March 9,1833-Went to see Waihihi, a river a short distance to the southward, too shallow for small vessels, but important for boats &c. The ground in the neighbourhood fair for cultivation, and a flax swamp extending many miles to the southward. March 10: Sunday - At ten o'clock, assembled the Natives to Service: more attentive than last Sunday. Spoke of the invitations of the Gospel; and compared their state with that of believers. Felt thankful in being able to speak to these people of the things which relate to their eternal peace. Conversation afterward upon the present position of affairs, and upon the unhappy consequences of war, which involves them in perpetual confusion, and restrains them from hearing and receiving the Truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Mar. 11-Natives, as usual, in close attendance, and in general conversation most part of the day. In the afternoon, several idle youths crossed over to the Nateawa, to offer them battle: a few shots exchanged. Toward sunset the parties increased, when one person was brought back dead. Immediately all was confusion and noise, firing guns, wailing and howling in a horrid manner. This last part exclusively belonged to the women, who arranged themselves before the corpse, throwing their bodies into every attitude, and filling the air with their lamentations, cutting themselves till the blood gushed out, and besmearing their faces and arms. The frantic widow sat in grief upon the body of her hus band-a most distressing spectacle !-tossing her head and arms around her, like one deranged. The Chiefs retired to their respective places, apparently much chagrined that we should witness their folly, knowing that we should be highly displeased at their proceedings. What a state of wretchedness and woe, without God and without hope! What hath sin wrought, that thus the hand of each should be lifted up against his fellow! As the Natives had not acted in conformity to their declaration to us on our arrival, to remain quiet until the Chiefs should assemble, we felt it needful to say that we should retire as early as possible. No one from the Pa came near us, neither was there any noise through the night. March 12-Several of the Chiefs came, to know if we were going; and urged us, evidently with much feeling, to remain a little longer; as, if we left them, there would be no hope of effecting a reconciliation between the parties. We did not give a definite answer, wishing to see the Karere" off, the first opportunity. Numbers of Natives hanging about all day, keeping us in close conversation. March 13-The bar very smooth: made every preparation for towing our little vessel out; which we easily effected with the two boats at high water, by renewing the ballast in the boats, and delivering it again when out of difficulty. Felt very thankful we were thus much nearer our departure. Returned on shore, and prepared for our departure; which we must endeavour to accomplish this evening, if possible. Passed through the Pa, and saw the widow of the man killed on Monday. She was still sitting by the corpse, keeping off the flies, and has continued at her station night and day: her face and arms were still smeared over with blood and filtha prisoner of Satan, held fast bound in chains of superstition and darkness! Returned to the camp, and put things in order, to move at the rising of the moon, as the wind is off shore during the night. The people thronged around, and the Chiefs showed that they did not approve of our decision. They pointed to some fires on the road; and said they wished us to remain until we heard from the party in the bush, as nothing could be done unless they were here. We determined to remain a little longer. Numbers of the Natives in close conversation, till very late. March 14, 1833-We resolved to wait one more day. After breakfast, heard the firing of musketry beyond the Tumu; when the Natives immediately prepared themselves for action, and crossed over, with all despatch, to attack this side of the Pa, under the idea that their allies were assaulting the opposite part. They appeared utterly to disregard any thing we had to say, and left but a few old women and children behind. They expressed their confidence that the Pa of the enemy would be taken to-day. The sea-breeze by this time had set in; other wise we should have taken our departure. Titore's vessel in sight: he will decide whether it is to be peace or war. The Natives, as they landed on the opposite side of the river, assembled around their priests, who stood in the water, while they went through their religious ceremony, sprinkling them occasionally with water; at the conclusion of which they caught up a handful of sand, and, throwing it into the river, ran off with speed toward the enemy. As these mad-headed creatures approached the Pa, we perceived that they slackened their pace materially, and that most of them sat down very contentedly under cover of a small hill: but few seemed disposed to turn out to be fired at. After about two hours they returned, bringing two wounded: none were killed. The firing continued beyond the Pa, supposed to be from the other party of these Natives. There was At half-past two o'clock, a party of the troops, which had been sent against the Tumu, came, in their wild and naked state, exclaiming [it was afterward found to be a false report] that Tupaca, a Chief of Nateawa, and twenty of his people, were killed, and their bodies taken; upon which all the women set up a dance and screaming, tossing up their heads and hands, presenting a most frightful picture. It was impossible not to grieve for their wretched condition. some loss on this side. We were a little relieved to learn, in a short time, that the bodies of the Nateawa were not brought away. After a little quietness had been obtained, we heard that the two men, belonging to these tribes, who were killed, were left behind, and consequently they will be eaten by the enemy; and moreover, that only four of the other party were killed. We may probably find that even this exceeds the truth. Near sunset, we witnessed a religious ceremony, upon the return of a party which had been out some days to waylay the enemy near one of the Pas. The party assembled naked: every person had a bunch of grass in each hand. The priest, an old grey-bearded man, and of such slight material that a puff of wind would blow him down, stood up in front, with out-stretched arms, holding three blades of long grass in each of his hands, and repeated over them his karakía or prayer, to Tu, the god of war. At the conclusion of the old man's service, the party delivered one bunch of the grass to him: they then all stood up, and chaunted a few words, clapping their hands at the same time; after which they ran down to the river, and, wetting the second bunch of grass, ran back, and returned it to the priest. I could not understand a word of the ceremony, nor was I able to prevail upon any one to explain it. We were a good deal cast down by the proceedings of the day. Every appearance of a gale: prepared accordingly. 66 March 15 A most severe night: wind and rain. Unable to sleep, from the thoughts of this deluded people. We must now bend our course homeward: we must retire, but do not retreat. Satan fights us hard, being enraged lest these his slaves should become the children of the Living God. The people now involved in the war are those whom we have long desired to take under our more immediate care, by placing Missionaries among them. In the afternoon, I heard that Te Amahau, the father of the man who was shot on Monday, after he had concluded his crying over the corpse, addressed himself generally, and said, that, as he had now lost a child in the war, it was for him to deliver his sentiments, and that he should proceed with the Missionaries, and make peace. He desired no satisfaction on account of his child, but that these proceedings might be stayed." We went to the Pa to learn the state of feeling, but most were asleep a few were disposed for conversation, but nothing particularly to the purpose. At length we heard that Te Amahau was inquiring for us. When we met him, he spoke of our going to the Tumu, for the purpose of consulting upon the propriety of making peace: he had now lost a son, and was therefore entitled to speak, and proposed to send one of my boys in the morning with a letter to some of the leading men; and, should they be willing, that we should |