Missionary endeavours

Press, 15 February 1986, Page 20

Missionary endeavours

John Hobbs, 1800-1883. By T. M. I. WUliment. Government Printer, 1985. 263 pp. Appendices, bibliography, $24.95. (Reviewed by lan Blair)

The progress of Christian missionary zeal and endeavour by Wesleyan Methodists in northern New Zealand in the early 1800 s has been comprehensively studied and reported. To expound the principles of their particular religion, to persuade the Maoris in the ways of peace and harmonious living, was the charge of a succession of “prophets in the wilderness” initially at Whangaroa, then Hokianga. They were in neighbourly harmony with the Anglicans at the Bay of Islands, though this author’s research revealed that Selwyn regarded the Methodist sect as a schism and his own Anglican cause as the true channel of grace, while Pompalier and his R.C. priests sought to undermine the work of Protestants of any ilk. Tolla Williment has drawn copiously on earlier published Methodist-derived histories by William Morley (1900), J. M. R. Owens (1969 and 1974), W. A. Chambers (1982), and the Proceedings Wesley Historical Society. Her admirable compilation, which reads somewhat in the character of an historical novel, features the life and work of Hobbs who apparently had

not been adequately recognised in the afore-mentioned histories. He is shown to be one, though recognising his basic duty, “to preach among the heathen the riches of Christ...,” who was blessed himself with greater versatility than his associates—being able to communicate in language, operate a printery, and establish animal husbandry, agronomy and timber ventures.

There was less reliance on religion which, in truth, seems to have drawn few converts, but more on the more demonstrable benefits of, European skills and technology. Of the latter for most of the time, acquisition of firearms was the keenest desire. The Willimient research, with its facile development of narrative on the life and living of missionaries (and their long-suffering women), has also brought to light intriguing aspects of participation of the Wesleyans in, preparation of the Treaty of Waitangi, and establishment of their’ denominational operations in*. Taranaki, Auckland, Wellington,, and* Tonga—in all of which centres there; are today some highly interesting: consequences, notably in regard to property tenures. The scope and content : of the appendices, bibliography, references, illustrations, and glossary are a pleasing feature of this first-rate publication which was sponsored by the Historical Publications Branch, Department of Internal Affairs.