Referring to the subject of our conversation, I have pleasure in stating to you that I was acquainted with the circumstances which gave rise to the establishment of the Wesleyan Native Institution for Training Native Teachers in Auckland, more than three score years ago, and took part in it.

The Missionary efforts of the Churches among the Islands of the Pacific had produced widely extended inquiries for teachers in greater numbers than could be supplied at that time, and with better methods of education.

When the New Zealand missionaries on their stations were consulted on the subject, they entered most warmly into the proposal, promising very hearty support, and in due time sending forward the most promising of their converts from heathenism to be trained as teachers.

While the Rev. Walter Lawry, the newly-appointed General Superintendent, was yet in Tendon, also the newly-appointed Governor of New Zealand (Admiral Fitzroy), the Missionary Committee procured an interview between them at the Mission House, to consider with the committee the interests of the Mission, and this subject in particular. The Governor at once signified his approval of the scheme, and promised his support on arrival in the colony. Accordingly, he quickly gave Crown grants for the Grafton Road property, and for the 192 acres now in occupation at Three Kings, but still belonging to the Mission. Money the Government had none to give, but the Missionary Committee supplied capitation money, £10 a head for twenty page 17 students for ten years, and the students could now cultivate their own food. In addition, the Missionary Committee appointed one of its Maori speaking ministers (the Rev. Thos. Buddle) to be the Theological Tutor, Principal, and Treasurer, and to help him a junior minister (the Rev. H. H. Lawry) to teach the students, attend to details, learn the Maori language, and prepare for Mission work.

When Sir George Grey arrived in New Zealand, he took great interest in the Institution, and visited it frequently. After many inspections, he was so pleased with the rapid advance made by the students that he proposed to extend educational advantages to the Maori youths. He prepared accordingly, and gave other lands and funds for its support, and in his deeds only is mention made of destitute children, etc. But the original Mission grants remain undisturbed.

During the early years of the Institution no less than ten ordained ministers were sent forth into the interior of New Zealand to minister among the Maoris, and proved faithful unto death. I cherish grateful memories of Hohepa Otone, Hone Eketone, Piripi Hana, Hori Te Kuri, Hamiora Ngaropi, Wiremu Patene, Te Koti Te Rato, Hone Waiti Hikitangi and his two. sons, Karawini Waiti and Matini L. Waiti. They were all worthy of their position in those generations, and their names an honour to the Institution which sent them to the work. Of ten others since ordained to similar work, only one failed to endure. The others worthily hold the fort, and justify the original effort to help the production of missionary workers.

Praying that the blessing of Almighty God may succeed your efforts to secure for the Mission use the property so long ago separated thereto,