Other formats

    Adobe Portable Document Format file (facsimile images)   TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

An Epitome of Official Documents Relative to Native Affairs and Land Purchases in the North Island of New Zealand

Giving detailed Account of Journey to Taupo, Rotorua, &c. New Plymouth, Taranaki, 26th January 1846

Giving detailed Account of Journey to Taupo, Rotorua, &c.

Sir,—

New Plymouth, Taranaki, 26th January 1846.

I have now the honour, agreeably to the intimation expressed in my letter of the 2nd instant, to furnish you with a more detailed account of my journey to Taupo and Rotorua, as well as amongst the tribes of my district.

I commenced my journey on the 20th of October last, in consequence of the application from the Rev. R. Taylor and the chiefs of Whanganui, who were desirous that I should accompany that gentleman to the inland tribes, as mediators on their behalf, and endeavour to allay the excitement they were said to be under, which gave considerable alarm to the inhabitants of the West Coast, who feared another hostile incursion. In passing along the coast the Natives flocked towards me, making inquiries respecting a religious belief that had arisen amongst the Ngatiruanui Tribe, and extended towards those of Taranaki; some of whom asserted that they had seen the Almighty and His angels; one of them stating himself to be Jesus Christ; others, his disciples, were inviting their friends and acquaintances to come and worship the true God at their places. The further I proceeded the more I found of this fanatic delusion, but was glad to observe a majority opposed it, and were industriously pursuing their usual occupations.