Octavius Hadfield
[extract from the diary of Octavius Hadfield]
Dec. 21st . . . Attended school in the morning as usual. Went after breakfast to Paripari (and also Wainui) and carried books—it is about 8 miles distant. The people were very civil. Attended to three sick persons. Richard's brother I hope will recover. It is 12 months today since I arrived in New Zealand. Oh how unprofitably I have hitherto spent my time. Do Thou oh gracious God have mercy and compassion upon me and grant that I may live more in communion with Thee, and seek grace and strength to enable me to do Thy will. Bless O Lord the people among whom I am now come.