CORRESPONDENCE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 7951, 2 July 1897, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

INTRODUCTION OF CHRISTIANITY TO THE EAST COAST. [To tiik Editor of tub Hkrald.] Sir,— Thinking that perhaps the present inhabitants may feel interested in an account of the introduction of Christianity amongst the Maoris on this coast in tho early clays, I will relate as nearly as possible the story its told by a few old people who knew the particulars. Many years ago Hongi Hikn, the celebrated old Ngapuhi chief and warrior, made a raid along this coast, committing great havoc and capturing a good many young people whom he carried away as slaves. Amongst his captives was a lad of high birth named Taumataakura, who in course of time came in contact with church missionaries in the Bay of Islands, nt that time presided over by Te Wircmu Karuwha (Four-eyed Williams), so named on account of his wearing spectacles, but known to Europeans as Archdeacon H. Williams. After attend'ng the mission school for a time, attaining a Knowledge of Christianity and evidently receiving baptism, Piripi Taumataakura became de-iroua of carrying the good news of thu gospel to his own people, Obtaining his freedom he returned to the East Coast in the mksion schooner Columbine, commanded by C.iptain Strattan, arriving at Waiapu the year that the Ngatiporous Buffered a great defeat from the Whanau a panui, a powerful tribe of the Bay of Plenty. He commenced at onca to teach his prople tho Christian religion, having as a text book a sm&U pamphlet given him by the missionaries, containing portions of the scripture, Borne prayers, and aereral hymns, and for want of better materials he prepared some Bmall totara slabs, upou ivhioli he wrote lessonß with charcoal for the use of his pupils, also using leaves of flax, writing upon them with sharp pointed sticks. After a while, in the year ISJM, there was a great fight at Tokaakuku, in which Piripi took an active part. He said to the chiefs and Maori tohuug&s, " Let me have the conduct of this battle. My God is the God of Te Wiremu Karuwha. He is Jehovah, a mighty God.'' When the opposing forces met Taumataakura said, " Now, wait for mo to give the signal ; I will fire one barrel upwards and oue downwards, for the Whananapanui have broken the laws of Jehovah." Having given the signal, the fight commenced, resulting in a great defeat to the Whanau a panui. They lost 100 killed and as many more wounded. Taumataakura then told tho Ngatiporou people that they must give up cannibalism and bury all the (lead bodies of their enemies, for this was the law of Christianity as taught by Te Wiremu Karuwha, who Bent him to bring the gospel to Waiapu. From lhat time the custom was abolished and the new religion was adopted throughout all the districts on this Coast, and extended south to Poverty Bay and right on through Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, aad even crossing Cook Straits till finally it reached Otago. Now, after a while, who should come along but Te Wiremu Karuwha himself. He arrived at Waiapu with the Rev. R. Taylor, bringing with him tho Treaty of Waitaugi for the people to sign. There was a very large gatheriug of people at Whakawhitira, on the north bank of the Waiapu river, whero the matter was discussed. Some signed the treaty, but the majority were suspicious and declined. But all were rejoiced to see the great man whose chief object was the confirming of the great woik so successfully introduced by Piripi Taumataakura, and as a result of his visit missionaries were soon stationed along the Coast. Wiromu Parata (Williams' brother, the late Bishop Williams) was stationed at Turanga, Mr Baker at Tolago Bay, Mr Stack at- Waiapu, and Mr Kissling at Kawakawa. Peace was established amongst the different tribes, and there was no further need for the people to live in fortified pas, bo they scattered about in perfect safety wherever they chose to live and cultivate their lands. Those were thu good old times. We need not) relate more recent events. Joseph G, Baker.