ON WHAT PRINCIPLES FORMED. J 89 
who are totally unconnected with us still pass 
that way, and thus, at times, come within the 
sound of the Gospel, which, otherwise, they might 
never have heard. It must, however, be obvious 
to every one, at all conversant with Missionary 
labours, that the nearer we are to the usual re- 
sidences of those whom we wish to benefit, tho 
greater is the prospect of success. It was this 
thought, with the Waimate always in view, as the 
centre of a large district, that led eventually to 
the formation of this settlement. A secondary 
object, which was never lost sight of, was the 
purchase of land, in the interior, suitable for the 
growth of wheat, in order that the Mission might 
be supplied with flour produced in New Zealand, 
and that the funds of the Society might no longer 
be so largely drawn upon for the supplies of that 
necessary article, purchased at New South Wales — 
purchased moreover, sometimes, at an enormous 
rate, from the droughts to which that country is 
subject. The Parent Committee have ever re- 
commended the growth of wheat for our own 
subsistence ; and have lent their warmest sanction, 
and most substantial aid, in furthering so very 
desirable an object. They thought, and justly 
too, that if the natives saw somewhat of the bless- 
ings of civilization, and the effects of industry, 
they would themselves become both civilized and 
industrious; and that when they beheld what 
their land was capable of producing, they would 
cultivate to a large extent, and add considerably 
