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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mrs. W. Gittos

Mrs. W. Gittos, second daughter of the Rev. John Hobbs, was born at the Wesleyan Mission Station, Mangungu, Hokianga, on 31st July, 1830. The family removed to the Friendly Islands in 1833, where Mr. Hobbs took charge of the mission press, and continued in that sphere of work until 1838, when he returned to New Zealand and resumed his work of translating and printing school books, selections from the Bible, etc., his children enjoying educational advantages under the tuition of the Rev. James Buller, and subsequently under that of Dr. Day, the veteran missionary who will be well remembered in Auckland, and who resided with the family for a great number of years. In 1850 Miss Hobbs entered the Wesleyan college, Auckland, as teacher under the Rev. Joseph Fletcher and remained there for several years. In 1857, she became the wife of the Rev. Wm. Gittos, then in charge of the Maori mission at Kaipara, and bravely shared with her husband all the hardships that fell to their lot, chiefly owing to the want of communication with Auckland. Mrs. Gittos' recollections of her mission life are
Mrs. W. Gittos.

Mrs. W. Gittos.

very interesting. On one occasion six months clapsed without any tidings from the city of Auckland, and it was only by rare chance that letters were transmitted to and from that part of the country. The year's store of provisions was taken over the portage on sledges and timber drays, and occasionally when supplies were exhausted a journey to Auckland was necessary to recruit the stock. Another very great trial was the want of society, the complete isolation from all but the Maori-speaking race being unspeakably trying; no one who has not been similarly circumstanced can form any adequate idea of the intense thirst for congenial companionship which at times overpowers those who are cut off from the joys of civilized society. This applies more especially to women who are left in charge of stations during the frequent absences of the husbands. Very trying times of prevailing sickness also called forth all the skill and energy of the missionary and his wife, accidents too numerous to relate occurring which necessitated reading up on surgery and calling into practical use all the knowledge possessed for these times of emergency. Maori schools demanded constant oversight; in these schools girls were trained in useful domestic knowledge, needlework, washing, and other departments of feminine occupation. In addition to the usual course of a plain education, the boys were trained in useful arts, such as house-building, boat-building, and various necessary branches of general knowledge. The young people showed themselves to be very capable of learning, some attained considerable proficiency, in music especially they were very apt pupils. In 1862, the first detachment of settlers came to Port Albert and a great change was soon observable. The Maoris were quick to mark that these people observed the Sabbath, avoided “the drink” and in all their dealings were “straight.” The good example of these settlers has had a lasting effect on the Maoris of Kaipara, and a friendly feeling has always existed between the two races. The missionary now divided his time between the Maoris and English, and though it brought increased responsibility, it was an immense relief to be associated with English-speaking neighbours, who in return were glad to be welcomed to their new homes by those who could understand their peculiar trails and difficulties. This happy state of things lasted for twenty years when failing health caused Mr. Gittos to request a removal to Auckland, which was granted by the conference; and he accordingly left Kaipara with his family and took up his abode in Ponsonby, where he could still visit his old “companions in tribulation” and at the same time exercise oversight over the Maori churches he had formed in the district. The next removal was to the Waikato where three years were spent among the most suspicious of all Maoris, who, however, yielded to patience and the power of kindness. Mr. and Mrs. Gittos are now residents of Auckland, and are frequently visited by their numerous friends both white and Maori, and in looking back over fully forty years among the Maoris, they are thoroughly persuaded that, for kindness of heart and hospitality, the Maori is not one whit behind his more highly favoured white brother.