CHAP. XXVII.] NATIVE CHRISTIANS. 407 



hill into the fleet of canoes, which killed many of 

 the aggressors, and the rest were forced to retreat. 

 Since that time these islanders have been left un- 

 disturbed. 



From several places near Tauranga, Puhia-i- 

 Wakati, or White Island, is visible. It is a low 

 island, still in volcanic activity, and produces a great 

 quantity of sulphur. Already several cargoes of 

 this mineral have been brought to Europe, where 

 it has been sold for 8/. per ton. The sulphur is 

 very pure, containing ninety per cent. The island 

 is claimed by an Englishman, who lives opposite to 

 it on the east coast, in Wakatane, and who is one of 

 the oldest settlers in the country. 



The natives at Tauranga belong to the large 

 tribe of the Nga-te-awa, and live in three strongly 

 fortified villages. Their number amounts to about 

 three thousand. Most of them have been converted 

 to Christianity by two missionaries of the Church 

 of England and by two Roman Catholic priests. 

 The missionaries of both persuasions reside here, 

 and oppose each other as much as they can, and of 

 course the native converts do the same. The num- 

 ber of converts to each creed is about equal, although 

 the Roman Catholic mission was established much 

 later than that of the Church of England. 



Tauranga was in former times an important place 

 for the pig and flax trade ; and several European 

 traders have lived there for many years. But from 

 different causes the flax-trade has dwindled away 



