CENTENARY CELEBRATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20454, 4 January 1930, Page 10

CENTENARY CELEBRATION

FIRST INLAND MISSION.

WAIMATE NORTH'S HISTORV.

CHARMING OLD-WORLD SPOT.

IMPRESSIONS OF A VISITOR.

Waimate North, which will 'celebrate on Sunday, January 12, the centenary of its founding as the first inland mission station and settlement in New Zealand, is ono of the most charming rural spots which North Auckland can show to visitors. The country in the vicinity is all lolling grass land and clumps of puriris and exotic trees are scattered at intervals over the landscape. Approaching from the direction of Uhacawai, which is the main route from the south, the visitor has his first view of the village from the top of a lonj use. Best seen in the glow of an afternoon sun, the picture is one of peace and quiet. It is a startling contrast with the busy, little centres which have sprung up in othei parts of the- North. A metalled road, Hanked by strips ef volcanic dust, winds down to a sharp dip and then up the other side into the village itself. After crossing the dip, the observant visitor immediately senses the .ago of the settleme.it. Cottages fast outliving then usefulness and gardens m which trees and shrubs have grown to largo dimensions,speak of a glory which has faded, between tall pines the visitor passes until turning a corner lie comes suddenly on "the shopping area." Hie sole relic ot a once lively little trading community is "the corner store." which also contains the post office. Waimate North does not thrust itself upon the visitor and there are many who would pass through without giving the settlement more than a single thought. Little Progress Made.

Certainly, the march of progress has not been Waimate's way. Originally Te Waimate, it became simply Waimate until a newer, more flourishing Waimate _g rew up in the South. Then a practical-minded Government tacked on the "North to save confusion in the delivery. 01 mail. Just plainly rural, there was nothing which would attract an influx of settlers or residents. When other parts of New Zealand were settling large blocks of land, Waimate North was already in the hands of a few farmers, while the natives themselves kept their own holdings. Possessing neither coal mines nor large timber tracts, it pursued its steady, unhurried way. 'J'he railway passed it by, pushing upwards through the more productive laud in the centre and west of the peninsula. Formerly it was on the direct main route to the Whangaroa and Mangonui districts and road traffic through the village was considerable. Even this is being * new road through the Mangamuka Gorge has diverted Kaitaia and the Far North traffic, while a road in course of construction from Kaeo to Okaihau will also have its effect.

District's Historical Interest. However, the district holds much of historical interest and there are many spots to which old memories cling. But the visitor must be shown these, as 110 placards are posted to supply the information. It is a revelation to accompany an old settler round the village and hear the wealth of information which can be given regarding commonplace spots. Over there stands the oldest oak tree in New Zealand, which recently celebrated a centenary of its own. The seed was brought to New Zealand and planted on the coast. When in the nursery stage the tree was almost lost in a fire, but it was saved from such a fate and was carefully transplanted at Waimate North. On a mound nearby was where the first flourmill in New Zealand was operated: Other spots where once missionary buildings stood and where momentous events occurred can be shown and their significance explained. It was in 1830 that Te Waimate was selected by the Rev. Samuel Marsden as the site for an inland mission station. Writing beforehand he said: "When the missionaries have got an interor station

... I shall consider the mission permanently established." Previously the natives had been unwilling to allow entry to the interior, but the proposal to establish a mission at Te Waimate was greeted with enthusiasm. Three cottages, built of puriri, were erected for the missionaries and in 1831 Messrs. George Clarke, Richard Davis and James Hamlin took up their residence in the district. It is interesting to record that (lie goods paid in exchange for the 250 acres of land purchased were: 40 gallons of lamp oil, 20 rugs, t!01b. of tobacco, 56 belts, one pair of duck trousers, SO blankets, one reel shirt, 72 combs, 12 axes, 30.012 fish hooks, 60 plane irons, 30 hoes, 60 knives, 36 chisels, 60 scissors and 45 iron pots.

First Church Built. The first church was built of kauri and was opened in July, 1831. It took six weeks to build, being erected entirely by native labourers, several of whom were trained at the mission station on the coast; Congregations grew larger and pieparations were made for the building of a much larger church. In 1837, Marsden paid his last visit to New Zealand, being then an old man and requiring to be carried across: by natives from llio Hokianga Harbour. It was a triumphant procession, as everywhere the Maoris "would sit with their eyes riveted upon him," saying when asked to withdraw, " we wish ta have a very long and steadfast look at our old friend, for we shall never see him again." Staying some time at To Waimate, Marsden wrote, " It is the most moral and orderly place I ever was in . . . all is order and peace."

Claims of Waimate North. The new building was completed in 1839—a year after the death of Marsden. This building was capable of seating 400, but sometimes a congregation of as many as 1000 assembled. The building was demolished in 1871, when a new church, which is now standing, was erected. The second church was used by Bishop Selwyn, serving as a college chapel and as tho first cathedral in New Zealand.. The first synod in the history of the Church in New Zealand was held there in 1844. It is claimed for Waimate North that it was tho cradle of successful farming and of secondary education in Now Zealand. St. John's College was opened there in 1842 with seven students. Collegiate schools for English and Maori boys, a Maori infant boarding school and a Maori girls' school were established. For many years the college continued to train for the ministry and to disseminate education.

In comparison with other early established towns, Waimate North has had an untroubled history. Away from tho coast, it saw little of tho viciousness" of a. whaling depot, while no mining industries grew up to attract a proportionately undesirable population. Even during Hone Heke's .war, ifc saw little of (he fighting. The village was used as a station for troops, who engaged the natives in the direction of Ohaeawai. The present Church of St. John Baptist, is prettily situated among large trees on a slight rise above the road. It is approximately on tho site of the former buildings. Close by, the "village preacher's modest mansion" stands in tho centre of a charming garden, which is now looking at its best. It is the only one of the original cottages remaining, and it has now become historic.