Watkin, The Missionary.

The Rev. Wm. Watkin had excellent opportunities of studying Tuhawaiki, and he writes in his journal:—

“October 19, 1840.—The principal chief of this island, who is libelled by the name given him by the whalers, ‘Bloody Jack,’ is now on a visit to this place, accompanied by as many of his people as four large boats can carry. His native name is Tuhovaiki. He appears to be very superior to most of his countrymen. He has a strong taste for, if not a passion for, European improvements, has a bodyguard of soldiers, clad in soldiers’ jackets which he was able to procure when he was in Sydney. The sergeant is a New Zealander who has page 39 travelled a good deal and spent many years in the Sandwich Islands, where he was one of a regiment of native soldiers. Tuhovaiki has a splendid captain's uniform, and when he appears in it might not be ashamed of standing alongside the first military dandy, or he him. He has got quite a military air.”

“October 15, 1842.—On the 11th at Otakou I found a considerable number of southern Natives there with their chief, Tuhovaiki. I held three services and had long conversation with natives, chiefs, and people. They want a missionary resident amongst them.”

“October 12, 1843.—Tuhovaiki is anxious for a missionary. Tomorrow I leave for Port Nicholson.”

It was because of Tuhawaiki's insistence that the Rev. Wm. Wohlers went to Ruapuke in 1844. But the missionary landed on the island in May, 1844, an Tuhawaiki was drowned some months later at Timaru. It maybe that Wohlers and Tuhawaiki never met on Ruapuke.