1835. 



KEIII-KERI — WHITE CHILDREN. 



field, quite transported me in imagination to the other side of 

 the world. Recalled to the truth by our pedestrian companions 

 asking us to stop for them, I enquired of Mr. Baker how long 

 that respectable church had been built.? and was disappointed to 

 hear that the fancied church was a store-house. A small, low 

 building, which he pointed out, was the chapel — it looked 

 much more like a small school-house. 



I was glad to see that our native companions took pains to 

 dress themselves decently before they entered the village ; as, 

 while running along the road, they had carried their clothes in 

 their hands ; but of their own accord they put them on as soon 

 as the houses were seen. 



In the village of Keri-keri we found an English welcome, 

 and an abundance of happy-looking, healthy children. Their 

 parents seemed to bear the Church missionary character, open 

 integrity, and the outward indications of a sincere wish to do 

 that which is right. It may seem absurd to speak thus 

 decidedly upon a hasty glance and first impression ; but there 

 is a talisman in a truly honest face, and a charm in the manner 

 of one who ' thinketh no evil,' that to me is irresistible ; and 

 I have never yet found cause to think lightly of ' ten minutes 

 sight.' 



At about ten o'clock, Mr. Baker and I embarked in my boat, 

 to return to Paihia. As we passed down a river-like arm of 

 the sea by moonhght, but little idea of the country on either 

 side could be formed. What I could distinguish was undula- 

 ting, and rather low land. We were four hours on the water, 

 though the boat moved fast with a fair wind. 



I was glad to learn from all quarters that the natives are 

 very fond of the white children. Mr. Davis told me, that his 

 sons could engage the attention and assistance of natives a great 

 deal more easily than he could himself. Speaking the native 

 language more fluently may assist the young people in their 

 intercourse ; but they are liked chiefly because born in the 

 land, and because of the naturally kind disposition of the 

 New Zealanders. Many instances have proved that they are 

 kind by natiu'c, and that their feelings arp keenly sensitive, as 



