HISTORICAL REVIEW OF NE}\' Z/-. I LAND. 



995 



appears to have been taken by the ship-masters trading from Port Jackson to New 

 Zealand, which provoked reprisals on the part of the natives, entailing some loss of life. 



In 1814 Governor Macquarie gave Mr. Marsolen leave of absence to go to New 

 Zealand to establish his Mission, provided the natives on the east coast of the North 

 Island were reported to be in a peaceful condition. To obtain the necessary information 

 Mr. Marsden dispatched the brig Active to the Bay of Islands, under the command of 

 Mr. Peter Dillon, who subsequently 

 became celebrated for his discovery 

 of the remains of La Perouse and 

 his expedition to the New Hebrides. 

 Mr. Kendall accompanied the brig, 

 anil several native chiefs returned in 

 her to strengthen the chances of Mr. 

 Marsden's visit. On the Governor 

 being satisfied of the report, the chap- 

 lain departed on his three months' 

 leave of absence. He was accom- 

 panied by the catechists, Messrs. King, 

 Hall and Kendall the last of whom 

 had been appointed Resident Magis- 

 trate of the Bay of Islands and a 

 Mr. Nicholas. Mr. Marsden opened 

 his spiritual crusade at the Bay of 

 Islands on Christmas Day, 1814. The 

 natives had made rude preparations 

 for the event by enclosing half an 

 acre of land with a fence, erecting 

 a pulpit and reading - desk in the 

 ' centre, covered with native mats dyed 

 black, anil using as seats for the 

 Huropeans some bottoms of old 

 canoes, which were placed on each 



side of the pulpit. A flag-staff was erected on the highest hill. Mr. Marsden writes : 

 "On Sunday morning when I was up on deck I saw the English Mag Hying, which 

 was a pleasing sight in New Zealand. I considered .it as the signal and the dawn 

 of civilization, liberty and religion in that dark and benighted land. I never viewed the 

 British colours with more gratification, and Haltered myself they would never be removed 

 till ihe natives of that Island enjoyed all the happiness of British subjects." After the 

 (lebration of the: service, which was heard with much decorum and attention, Mr. 

 Marsden preached from the passage in St. Luke, " Behold I bring you glad tidings of 

 great joy." The natives of course knew not what he said, so that the; sermon was 

 ]x rhaps more interesting than effective. After it was over they danced their war-dance. 

 Christianity and cannibalism had come into contact. A new and bright morning had 

 dawned on an ancient land. 



TK 1'AIII, CHIEF OF TIIK 1!AV OK ISLANDS. 



