“Te Wunu” meets the New Chums.

In 1838 the new arrivals, by the ship James, were the Revs. J. Waterhouse, J. H. Bumby, Samuel Ironside, Charles Creed, and J. Warren. Mr. Ironside wrote this vivacious description of their reception in the Maori country:-

On the tenth day after leaving Hobart we crossed the bar of the Hokianga River, and anchored safely in the stream, a mile or two below our branch Mission station at Pakanae. The Rev. W. Woon was missionary in charge. Soon after we came to anchor a large boat, manned by a Maori crew, was seen coming to us at a racing speed, the rowers apparently in a great state of excitement, roaring at the top of their voices; ‘Ko Te Wunu! Ko Te Wunu!’

In the stern sat a large-framed stout gentleman, the picture of health and comfort. While yet at some distance from the ship, he called out in stentorian tones, ‘Is that the James?’

“The Maoris were still yelling ‘Ko Te Wunu!’ It was our big friend Mr. Woon come out to welcome us. There had been some joking between the ship's officers and ourselves as to whether we should find anything to eat, or should ourselves be eaten in the strange land. Seeing Mr. Woon so stout, easy, and comfortable, the conclusion was soon unanimously reached that whatever the diet, we should at any rate fare very well.”