66 دو are rather offended with me: and at this I cannot much wonder; for though I have taken care to explain to Pa Suba why I wish that females may not come to my house, and to assure them that if a married Missionary were to come hither they might visit him, he and others, in speaking of it, make very short workHe does not like women. I said to this head-woman, that females were at liberty to attend my religious meetings, and several had done so; and that I should be glad to see her, on such occasions, at my house. We seemed to have become quite friends before I went away, and she loaded my little boy with a present of rice and plantains for me. But I was careful also to prepare, as soon as I got home, a present to send to her, four or five times the value of hers to me. 66 Feb. 27,1834-My good understanding with the old lady was nigh being disturbed to-day. She came near my house just as I was teaching the boys; and she called out to them one after another, which was very vexatious to me, so that I said, not perceiving what an important personage had to do with," They have no time." Just as I uttered the words, I recognised her, and changed my language; but she turned away, saying, That word you talk, no good." I told her that I did not know her at first, and she returned to shake hands with me, but seemed still displeased. Some time after she came again, to tell me that my landlady, the cook, had asked her to go and buy some rice for me; which gave her an opportunity of asking for a head of tobacco (worth 1d.). I immediately produced that, and was glad to find myself again on good terms with her. This claim of a head of tobacco seems to be rather a common thing among them when they are asked to do any thing. The other day, the owner of a yard, close to Pa Suba's, knowing that I thought of buying a canoe, brought a man to me who had one to sell; and when I consented to look at it, he, like the old lady, asked for a head of tobacco. In the following passages, after describing further some of the customs of the Country, and giving some instances of the industry of a few of the Natives, Mr. Haensel expresses himself as under the necessity of seeking a better situation during the rainy season. time to-day in the Bâri, listening to a grand discussion which took place there, on the trade carried on with the people from Sierra Leone. The mud bank which encloses the Bâri was filled with people, and so were the piazzas of the neighbouring houses. The Mandingo costume prevailing, gave the assembly a very good appearance. The interest taken in the discussion was frequently manifested by exclamations on the part of the audience, which gave their proceedings an air of popularity: when they shouted forth their "yāō' there was perhaps as much meaning in it as in the "hear, hear" of many an assembly congregated in countries of high cultivation of mind. Old Pa Kolumba made an excellent figure in speaking. If the broom in his hand had been a sword, his movements would have reminded me of a gladiator of ancient times. But in his hand, really, even the kasinga lost its laughable appearance. Indeed, after a little while, we get accustomed to an African orator's brandishing a long broom as well as we should to a European's drumming upon the crown of his hat, in order to give emphasis to his oration. In the evening Pa Suba came, somewhat elevated, to explain to me the subject of the discussion. They seem to have allowed changes in the weight of camwood: now, as in times of superabundance of supply the purchasers have managed to add to the weight, so at present the superabundance of purchasers gives the holders of the article encouragement to bring it down again. But the main cause of dissatisfaction may be, that the SierraLeone Traders, in order to make themselves independent of the Magbeli Timmanis, extend their connexions gradually higher up the country, yea, even "clean up" to the Koranka Nation. I took care to offer no opinion or advice on the contested point; but, after hearing a series of complaints against the Traders, I told Pa Suba, that the great advantage whichthese people had over the Timmanis was, that they could read and write, which enabled them, by epistolary correspondence, to effect what the Timmanis could not do without a journey. He seemed to be very well pleased with the remark, as if he saw the temporal benefit likely to result to his nation from instruction. He intimated, that to-morrow he himself would make his speech in the Bâri. I expressed my regret that the discussion March 1-I have spent a good deal of should be continued on the Lord's Day, and said that I should have liked to hear him speak, but could not go to-morrow. March 2,1834-I felt much discouraged in the morning, because I entertained little expectation of a Congregation being formed by the Sierra-Leone Traders, the discussion in the Bâri going on at Service-time. To my satisfaction, however, twelve or fourteen assembled, and I had liberty to expound St. Luke xi. 21, 22 in the morning, and 27, 28 in the evening. March 5-On Monday I engaged a canoe, in order to visit Pa Korobolai, and to ascertain what progress had been made in the completion of the house which I am to occupy. I set out yesterday morning, at half-past six o'clock; but wind and tide came so strongly against us by two o'clock, that we were compelled to land at a little town, and wait for the change of the tide. The appearance of the river side would be much improved if the numerous small towns were not all of them hidden behind the trees and bush. There is, in general, only just so much opening cut into the bush as forms a landing-place and a path toward the houses: a European would not think of a town being there; yet, if he watches, as the canoe passes by, he can catch a glimpse at a few grass roofs; and if he land, he often finds some twenty houses, which would present a cheering appearance were they to lie open toward the water. At half-past five o'clock, we set out again, and at seven reached Pa Korobolai's. To my great disappointment, I found that nothing whatever had been done to complete the house. The Chief offered certain excuses; upon which I prefer saying nothing at present, until I have communicated with the gentleman who introduced me to him. I went on from the Chief's to a neighbouring factory, where I was hospitably received, and had some rest till midnight. The change of the tide then enabled us to set out, on our return. I embarked accordingly, and arrived here again about ten in the morning. The pullers have done very badly on this occasion. My refusal of rum causes me some trouble with this class of people. They do not work well without, having been accustomed to it by their employers; and they keep in a grumbling mood all the time. Mar. 8-The weather begins to assume a rainy-season-like appearance; which, with the uncertainty into which I am now again thrown with regard to my future residence, rather depresses my spirits. On Thursday I received letters from the Colony, accompanied by communications from England. Mar. 9: Sunday-I finished, during the course of last week, at Morning Prayers, the exposition of the Epistle to the Ephesians, and of the Acts at Evening Prayers; and have begun the Epistle to the Romans, and the Gospel according to St. Matthew. This morning I expounded Rom. i. 16-21; and then, at the two Services, the Epistle and Gospel for the day. Mar. 12-I was much cheered this evening at being called upon by one of the former attendants at my Devotional Services here, a Sierra-Leone man, who had to remove some time ago. He came up the river, with his employer, to a short distance from hence, in the course of his business; and obtained leave to walk as far as this place in the evening, yet so as to return at night, and be at his work again to-morrow morning. Most of the time thus allowed him to spend here was devoted to conversation with me, and attendance on our Evening Service. In the course of the afternoon, I was singularly pleased on seeing a large piece of ground cleared, which, from its situation at one end of this town, and near the brook which supplies me with water, I have, for some time, had in view for fixing my residence on hereafter. It was overgrown, when I first arrived, with trees and bush; but has now been cleared by a Foulah Karanki (workman in leather); and some houses are built upon it, not so thickly strewed as they are in the old parts of the town. The superior industry of the man who now occupies the ground is evinced by his having dug a well, though he is close to the river, and not far from the brook. Pa Suba's indolent astonishment and pleasure at this acquisition to the ground (for the ground is considered as Pa Suba's) gave me the first notice of the work which had been done there; and the second I received from the little boys telling me, with reference to my objections to the house I now occupy, that "Foulah Karanki was building a fine house yonder." The lads evince some feeling at the prospect of my removing from this place, and leaving them behind; and they would wish to prevent it, by finding me what they consider a fine house. March 14, 1834--I have been to the Karanki's ground again, with a head of tobacco to give him, as a token of satisfaction on seeing the fruit of his industry, that is, his well: my principal design, however, was to get into some acquaintance with the man, and to ascertain how he would like my coming to reside there, and what aid he would lend me, for the remuneration I could give him, toward the building of a house. To my regret, he is not in the town now. I then opened the subject to Pa Suba, by asking whether, if I had a house built there, I should have him or the Karanki for my landlord. He expressed his satisfaction at my approval of the ground, which he said belonged to him: he would use his interest with the Karanki to get him to build a good house for me, and I should continue to be his "stranger." I then told him that I must keep to my engagement with Pa Korobolai, by removing to his place for the rains; but, if God spared my life, and directed my return to this place at the beginning of the dry season, I should like a residence on that ground. sent, and now I think I must make my retreat as soon as I can. The gracious care vouchsafed by God to His servant, and to the work he has in hand, was manifested in a high degree on an occasion which is referred to by Mr. Haensel in a subsequent letter. He relates March 16-To-day we had a smart shower of rain at two o'clock, which so wetted my piazza and rooms, that I see it is time for me to remove. I have, under this roof, suffered from the last of the rains past, and from the first of the pre April 2-On my passage down the river last Thursday, the 27th of March, the canoe upset and sunk: the whole of my luggage went into the salt water: one portion of it has suffered considerable injury, and another has been carried away by the waves. This loss is somewhat heavy; and as it includes indispensable articles, it involves me in immediate expense, beyond what I had anticipated at the beginning of last Quarter. I have to record the signal deliverance from sudden death in the waters, vouchsafed to me by a gracious God, who seems to have some more work for me to do here below. As I have not attempted swimming since the days of my boyhood, my danger was imminent. It is a cause of rejoicing and gratitude, too, that one copy of each of my Timmani manuscripts has been saved. I shall have to write the whole over again; but that may not be without its use to me. AUSTRALASIA MISSION. VERY copious Despatches have been received from this Mission, which will enable us to continue our accounts of it from p. 12 of the Volume for the present year. New Zealand. It is a twofold work of mercy in which our Missionaries are engaged in this Island. Their main duty is that of preaching peace by Jesus Christ; but they are also very often called to the office of negociating pacific measures between the miserable Tribes that are thirsting for war and bloodshed. In order to present to our Readers a distinct view of the later proceedings of the Missionaries, we shall first give the account of two voyages to the southward; the one on a message of pacification; the other, for the purpose of exploring a suitable situation for the founding of a new Station, more near to the centre of the Island, as contemplated some time since by the Committee, at the suggestion of the Missionaries. (See Church Missionary Report for 1833-34, p. 59.) We then purpose, in a subsequent Number, to present, in systematic order, a view of all the general Missionary Operations in the four Stations already established by the Society. Of the two voyages above referred to, the one is related by the Rev. Henry Williams; the other, partly by him, and partly by one of his fellowlabourers, the Rev. Alfred Brown. Of the copious account given by Mr. Williams, it may be remarked, that probably many parts will be of no inconsiderable value to persons who may hereafter visit those regions: very little abridgment, therefore, has been adopted. Perpetually, in the course of his narrative, incidents are interspersed, which serve to shew, in the most touching manner, the power of the god of this world over that unhappy Island, as well as to excite the fervent hope and prayer that the Sun of Righteousness may arise upon it, with healing in His wings. Departure from the Bay of Islands. Feb.7,1833-The morning was very fine, and the Bay perfectly smooth, with a light air from S.S.W. Much bustle in placing the baggage in the boats; which had been collected with considerable care, both for quality and compactness of stowage, and for convenience; as we contemplated an absence of many weeks, and should have to abide in tents during the period. All was prepared and ready for departure by eight o'clock; and we took leave at nine, the Natives in the Settlement saluting us with their guns. Mr. Chapman was in his own boat; and the "Karere" in company, for the purpose of taking potatoes for the boys, and of rendering assistance, if needed; the "Tacapo" and an American ship standing out of the Bay. Our sailing was very pleasant; and at noon we rounded Cape Brett. The wind shifted to the sea-breeze. At two o'clock, we observed a strange sail to the northward, but could not make her out. Much admired the action of our boat she sailed with elegance, and possessed great accommodation. At six o'clock we landed at Wangaruru; and pitched our tent in a quiet spot, among the bushes. Discovered a place where a human head had but recently been prepared. Obliged to retire early to bed, owing to a severe head-ache occasioned by long abstinence; not having taken any food, and being exposed to a burning sun. : Feb. 8-Woke several times, in consequence of fleas, the occupants of the land. Found myself much better for rest: moved on at daylight with a pleasant breeze; the " Karere," a few miles distant. At nine o'clock, pulled into Wananuke, a fine broad river for small vessels. We here breakfasted: the coffee was excellent. At one o'clock we entered Tutukaka, having left Mr. Chapman far behind: took some oysters, which we found in great abundance, and pulled on to Taiharuru. As we approached, the wind suddenly shifted to the south, and blew strong. With difficulty we found an entrance, as the sea was breaking heavily on the rocks. We passed in safely, and obtained snug quarters, within a long chain of rocks, which broke off the sea, and formed a good shelter for canoes and boats. Feb. 9 Fine morning. We were delayed two hours, owing to the tide being out had not sufficient water for the boats took breakfast, and pulled out. Passed on, with a fine breeze, to Te Wara, the outer head of Wangari. The wind increasing, we pulled, with great difficulty, into the harbour. We were much disappointed at not finding the " Karere" here; but more so at learning that there were no Natives up the river, all having been dispersed some time since by a party from Waikato. A large fire was observed to the southward, supposed to be kindled by the Rarawa (a Native Tribe). No inhabitants hitherto seen: all desolation: wind very strong during the remainder of the day: every one felt weary from the heat of the weather, and the long and heavy pull into the harbour. We occupied the place we did last year; but no one was here but ourselves. Feb. 10: Sunday-Much rain in the night, but a fine morning: no signs of any living creature near us: determined to proceed up the river, to see for ourselves if there were no one in the neighbourhood with whom we could communicate upon the nature of eternal things. We accordingly took advantage of the flood-tide, but to no purpose. We saw the wreck of an Englishman's house, but not a creature. When last here, there was a large party at the Pa, and several Europeans were in various places around; but all are gone, showing the distressing effects of war. Landed our messenger for Paihía, and returned to our quarters. This Sunday appears a blank; every one feeling out of order. In the evening, held Service with our boys. Feb. 11-At half-past three o'clock, woke the boys, to proceed on clouds flying fast over the moon, though but little wind with us: dark hazy morning. We had an agreeable sail, with a fair wind, as far as Mangawai, by nine o'clock. From appearance, the Rarawa must have left in the night, as their foot-marks were not washed out on the sand. Had a comfortable breakfast; but the wind was so much increased, that we were glad to put back, after getting under weigh. The boys employed themselves in fishing. At two o'clock, put out, under close-reefed sails, and passed along very comfortably, keeping close to the shore. At half-past three o'clock, observed fires at Wakatuwenua; and, by five, landed among the Rarawa. We were glad to find Rawiri among them: they were all very kind. I had a long conversation with them; and afterward we all assembled for prayers, previously to our leaving them to pull round to the "Karere," which was at Omaha, our old and favourite spot. It was near eight o'clock before we arrived at our quarters; where we immediately kindled fires among the trees, pitched our tents, and soon found ourselves at home took supper, had prayers, and went to bed weary. Feb. 12, 1833-Fine night. No one disposed to rise early, being very tired, from yesterday's movements. Wind strong from the westward: fleas very numerous: learnt that the Rarawa had passed on to Hauluru (the little barrier) in the night. As the distance across the Thames to Cape Colvel is great, and the sea generally considerable, we decided to remain quiet, and arrange our things. Toward evening, as the wind had much abated, and the weather was clear, we thought it well to take the opportunity to put across. We moved off at sunset, in company with the " Karere." After about two hours, the wind began to muffle, which caused a good deal of sea for a boat; but we passed on surprisingly well, the boys admiring the abilities of our frail bark. Feb. 13-Fresh breezes. By one o'clock we came into smooth water; shortened sail and ran close in shore, pulled round Port Charles, and came to an anchor till daylight: we did not wish to land, as the boys were somewhat apprehensive of Parekeawiowio, a noted character, lord of this part of the land, and one who has killed many a traveller while reposing within his dominions. At day-break, we landed in a quiet bay, where the boys immediately commenced exploring the neighbourhood for karakas, and some to get shell-fish. Our breakfast was very refreshing; and, by the aid of a good wash and a good fire, we were soon able to continue our voyage, after a short examination as to the nature of this port as laid down on the chart. We were much interested with all we saw here, as it was near this place we so narrowly escaped shipwreck last year. Examined the bay or inlet called Port Charles, which is incapable of affording any shelter, even for the "Karere." The sea breeze suddenly came on, and, for some time, it appeared doubtful whether the little vessel would work out. Passed on to Ahuahu, the northernmost of the Mercury Islands, where we found refuge in the "Active" last year: very snug quarters among the bushes, the "Karere" lying in the river. The boys were disposed to reconnoitre. Some of them returned, loaded with dried shark, apparently left behind in flight-a fine prize for the boys! As we came out of Port Charles, we took particular notice of the rocks and coast, which had well nigh marked our tomb on the 8th of April last; and I consider that the Active" could not have been more than half-cable length from the shore when so mercifully preserved. Assembled our boys to prayers at dusk, and retired to rest very weary. 66 Feb. 14-Cloudy: wind W.N.W.: a week from home this morning: but one interview with any Natives, and only one day's sail from Tauranga; yet we cannot proceed until the Rarawa come on, unless we go direct to Maketu. Feb. 15-Felt very unwell. Boys getting fern-root, in order to spare our stock of provision, as we must not expect to be able to purchase any. Many human bones lay scattered upon the surface of the ground, the remains of some of their horrid repasts. Saw no appearance of the fires of the Rarawa. Prospect of rain: prepared accordingly. Feb. 16-Determined to remain quiet until Monday, and proceed: continued unwell. Some of the boys brought in dried shark. Prepared for departure on Monday. Feb. 17: Sunday-Continued unwell. Held a very comfortable Service with the boys after breakfast: much indisposed during the remainder of the day. : Feb. 18-Wind and rain, with lightning could not move from our quarters. The boys foraging for food, shell-fish, fern-root &c. In the evening, fine. Prepared for a move in the morning. |