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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Jerusalem
Jerusalem, or Hihuharama, as the Maoris pronounce the word, is situated fifty-one miles north from Wanganui on the left bank of that grand river. It is in the Electorate of Patea and the County of Waitotara. The settlement is considered the most picturesque on the Wanganui River. As the steamer rounds the bend nearing the settlement, the picture unfolded to the eyes of the tourist is that of a grassy knoll studded with Maori whares, quaintly constructed and carved, surrounding a very prettily designed Roman Catholic Church with a tall wooden spire. The Maori pah at Jerusalem has a population of about 200, and on the occasion of the writer's visit a large and motley gathering greeted the return of the “queen of the settlement,” Mother Mary Joseph Aubert. Jerusalem is best known as the headquarters of a French Roman Catholic Mission to the Maoris. Mails are received and despatched twice weekly in the summer months by the river-steamers, the post-office being at the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Mission. A few miles lower down the river is the settlement of Ranana (London).